Chateau Alcee 2019

JAMES SUCKLING: " Ripe dark fruit, licorice, walnuts and cured meat on the nose. Full body and fine, chewy tannins and impressive depth. Polished, firm finish with hints of crushed stones. Rich and intense, yet balanced and delicious. 96% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. Try after 2024."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Flowers, chocolate, cinnamon spice, truffle and red pit fruits are found in the complex aromatic profile. On the palate the wine is all about the dark chocolate coated plums with just a hint of espresso on the palate and in the supple textured finish. This is already so good and it is going to get even better with just a few years of age. Drink from 2022-2034."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Black cherries, red plums, tobacco, and chalky minerality all emerge from the 2019 Château Alcée, a juicy, medium-bodied, round, incredibly satisfying Castillon with ripe tannins and rock-solid overall balance. It's beautiful today, yet I see no reason it shouldn't evolve and drink well for a decade."

WINE SPECTATOR: " Solidly built, this is ripe yet restrained, showing warm cassis and steeped plum notes, with a chalky spine and flecked with savory and earthy accents. Delivers a nice sanguine echo at the end, which leaves a mouthwatering echo. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2034. 1,100 cases made."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Aromas of rose petals, cassis, crème de cassis, dark berries and touches of violet introduce the 2019 Alcée, a medium-bodied, juicy, lively and perfectly balanced wine that’s elegantly fleshy and fresh. It’s an attractive wine from the appellation of Castillon."

DECANTER: "Wonderfully seductive, softly fragrant nose - smells so welcoming and inviting. Great texture, smooth, suave and generous tannins that coat the mouth but still allow the cool, liquorice and tobacco-tinged black and blue fruits to come through. Sculpted and charming, this has poise and I like the driving energy. I'd still give it some time but I like the fruit profile and the tannin quality is excellent. A satisfying good buy. 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc."