Chateau Fayat 2019

Tannins that are both velvety and spicy, with an elegant, expressive profile. 100% Merlot in the 2019 blend, as the Cabernet Franc—its first year of production—was not included in the Grand Vin due to stress. Fresh and fleshy, it’s long and fruity, full of energy.

Restrained aromatics; well-built, fresh development; good length.

Expressive and lively on the nose, richly scented with blackcurrant and hints of delicate florality. Round and generous on the palate, with supple tannins that gently coat the mouth, supporting vibrant strawberry and black cherry flavours. There are also notes of sweet liquorice, coffee and slate, adding nuance and texture to the fresh finish. Good quality.

The 2019 Fayat has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry and bilberry fruit with light floral scents. The palate is medium-bodied, showing some wood tannins on the entry, brown spices and black pepper, though the oak feels a little dominant on the finish. Let’s see how this evolves in bottle. I could not quite work this Pomerol out.

Flowers, smoke, dark red pit fruits, and forest leaf aromas make an appearance on the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, and silky, forward and fruity with an open personality, making this a treat to drink almost upon release; this is the best vintage of Chateau Fayat I have ever tasted. Drink from 2023–2034.

Wild berries, some herbaceous notes, elegant red fruit with a medium body, supple and rounded with vibrant freshness and fine length.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Fayat opens on a wild mushroom and damp soil note leading to charcoal, prunes, and fried herbs scents. Full-bodied, the palate is hard and aggressive with a rustic, slightly bitter finish.

A cozy, rustic, welcoming nose that evokes the scents of a Marwari horse stable, with notes of curry leaf highlighted by the sweetness of elderflower syrup. On the palate, a fluid, caressing texture like a linen voile, notes of Indian spices, and a very gentle finish.