Château de Pressac Saint-Emilion 2019 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

For this vintage, Pressac was even more selective in his choices; as a result, not only was a third wine released, but the second and first wines were also allowed to develop further. On the palate, it offers a silky texture from the very first touch of tannin. The wine quickly gains structure, and the lively mid-palate carries it toward a finish worthy of the finest premier crus, especially as an irresistible airy and floral note adds even more complexity to this 2019! Tasted about ten times since bottling, this wine has received unanimous acclaim from all 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-hectare) estate is historic 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 sprawling estate undeniably has a lot of charm. Its vineyards stretch out in terraces beneath a rocky outcrop 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, expressive wine that finds its expression more in the structure of its clay soils than in aromatic nuance, but which 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 redcurrants and ripe plums, with hints of bark and moss, leading into a medium- to full-bodied palate with firm, velvety 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 rich and complex bouquet, unfolding 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 precise tannins that unfold slowly and provide a solid foundation for the entire palate. A delightful, 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 touch of airiness), 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, and a subtle touch of blueberry, nutmeg, and a hint of spice. The palate is fruity and balanced, offering freshness, minerality, a mineral backbone, a lovely acidity, finesse within its richness, well-balanced creaminess, and a nice structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of creamy blackcurrant, juicy/tart blackberry, and, to a lesser extent, tart/juicy red berries combined with hints of juicy blueberry, lily, 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, elegant, and delicately velvety. Good length.