2019 Chateau Monbousquet

The Château Monbouquet 2014 is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, matured in 60% new oak and the remainder one-year old barrels. The alcohol comes in at a modest 12.86%. The nose is very backward at the moment with tarry black fruit mixed with cedar reluctantly emerging with aeration. The palate is chewy on the entry but it softens towards the middle with light tannin and a nicely balanced on the finish. Once the aromas begin to gain a little chutzpah, this will be a fine, more classically inspired Monbousquet compared to recent vintages.