The 2019 Lacoste-Borie was impressive as a barrel sample sent to my home last spring. Now in bottle, it has a vivacious, quite floral, almost Margaux-like bouquet that bursts from the glass, featuring raspberry, rooibos and black currant aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with good concentration, a little spicier than I remember and a little softer in the finish, yet with good length and admirable harmony.

The 2019 Lacoste-Borie is a wine of immense charm. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis, licorice and sweet spices, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with ripe tannins, succulent acids and a round, giving profile.