Château de Valois, Pomerol (Bordeaux, France) 2019 ($95, Lanterna Distributors)

Château de Valois is a family-run winery located in Pomerol, a small but famous appellation on Bordeaux’s right bank, known for very high quality wines. Château de Valois’ 2019 vintage is clearly meant for cellaring and will likely be tight unless opened for a significant period of time before serving. Once permitted to open, the wine is full of dark fruit, an accent recalling pencil shavings, and earthy potting soil. The wine’s sharp tannins will soften with time and one can expect its fruit to become more accessible. I recommend opening the 2019 vintage between 2028 and 2035.
96 Vince Simmon