Château de Pressac Saint-Emilion 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

For this vintage, Pressac was even more selective; as a result, not only did we release a third wine, but we also allowed the second and first wines to mature further. On the palate, it offers a silky texture from the very first hint of tannin. The wine quickly gains structure, and the lively mid-palate carries it toward a finish worthy of the finest premiers crus—especially since an irresistible, airy, floral note adds even more complexity to this 2019! Tasted about ten times since bottling, this wine has received unanimous acclaim from all of our tasting teams.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Smooth and elegant, this wine successfully showcases its finesse. You’ll appreciate its complex nose of black and red fruits, its richly fruity body with a hint of spice and plenty of freshness, its silky tannins, and, finally, its well-integrated oak. A lovely classic, well-balanced and with good length. 2025–2032

About the estate:

A classified growth (since 2012), this vast (36 ha) estate holds historical significance in two ways: in 1453, it was the site of the English surrender following the Battle of Castillon, and in the 18th century, the local lord introduced the Auxerrois grape variety, followed by Noir de Pressac, and finally Malbec. It was acquired in 1997 and completely renovated by Jean-François Quenin, a former executive at the Darty Group and former president of the Saint-Émilion Wine Council.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This vast estate undeniably has a lot of charm. Its vineyard stretches out in terraces beneath a hill spur dominated by the silhouette of the Neo-Gothic main house. It’s worth noting that “Pressac” is the local name for Malbec, even though there is little of it here, as the variety does not meet Jean-François Quenin’s standards; he has been the owner since 1997. Pressac produces a colorful, intense, and expressive wine that draws its character more from its clay-based soil than from aromatic nuance, though it has shown greater refinement in recent vintages—a result of significant investments made in both the vineyard and the winery.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2019 Pressac is just as captivating in the bottle as it was in the barrel. A complex and enchanting wine, the Pressac offers an exotic blend of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spices, and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso, lavender, dried rose petals, and cedar linger on the complex and beautifully defined finish. The 2019 is truly impressive. It’s as simple as that. 2024–2039

James Suckling

About the wine:

Beautiful aromas of red currants and ripe plums, with hints of bark and moss, leading into a medium- to full-bodied palate with firm, creamy tannins and notes of salt and fresh herbs. Very appealing now, but will be even better in 2025 and beyond.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

What a wealth of complexity and depth in this bouquet, which unfolds with delicate subtlety. It beautifully expresses its terroir through chalky nuances while also highlighting the distinctive characteristics of the various grape varieties that make it up. It displays notes of violets and black berries, followed by a hint of mint. On the palate, the wine is elegant, with well-defined tannins that emerge slowly and provide a solid foundation across the entire palate. A delicious, balanced, and invigorating wine. 2024–2043

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is fruity and offers a well-balanced richness, a refined texture, a delicate creaminess (combined with a slightly airy quality), as well as a well-controlled intensity and concentration. It features notes of wild berries, Cuben pepper, and, more subtly, blackberry, combined with hints of crushed strawberry, vibrant black berries, a subtle hint of blueberry and nutmeg, and a subtle hint of spices. On the palate, it is fruity and balanced, offering freshness, minerality, a mineral backbone, a lovely acidity, finesse within its richness, a well-balanced creaminess, and a nice structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of creamy blackcurrant, juicy and tart blackberry, and, to a lesser extent, tart and juicy red berries, combined with hints of juicy blueberry, lily, and mild spices, as well as subtle hints of saffron, sweet blond tobacco, chocolate, and a discreet hint of toasted almond (in the background). The tannins are precise, well-integrated, refined, and delicately velvety. Good length.