Chateau la Prade Cotes de Francs 2019

92-94 pts Wine Advocate
Composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 La Prade was harvested from the 30th of September to the 11th of October. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare this year. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose opens with classic plum preserves, warm blackberries, licorice and cedar chest scents, unfurling to reveal provocative suggestions of chargrill, red roses, dusty soil and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has exquisitely ripe, very fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness lifting all the densely packed black fruit and perfumed layers to a long, mineral-tinged finish. Impressive!

93 points Jeb Dunnuck
From the talented Nicolas Thienpont, the 2019 Chateau La Prade sports a deep ruby/purple color to go with a great nose of spicy dark fruits, damp earth, and violet. Wonderfully pure, medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless on the palate, it's easily the finest vintage of this cuvee I've tasted. It's going to drink brilliantly for 10-12 years. Best after 2022.

"The 2019 La Prade is a gorgeous, inviting wine." - Antonio Galloni of Vinous (1/22)