Chateau Jean Faure 2019 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe

"I sampled the Ch. Jean Faure 2019 St.-E. GC at an ill-starred dinner where 4 out of 7 wines ended up being severely flawed by cork-taint or Brettanomyces. This Right Bank ended up being one of the wines of the night, but it was not consequential; it held its head high in my estimation. A singular Cabernet Franc dominant (65%, with 30% Merlot, and 5% Malbec) St-E GC, the 2019 pours an unassuming mid-garnet with some ruby hints in the glass. The nose blossoms for about five minutes before shutting down and requiring some coaxing, boding well for the future. A core of blackberries and currants is robed in herbal nuances (tarragon, sage), touches of spices (cassia, cloves), and black tea elements. Once the necessary aeration passes then minerals along with hints of truffle and Virginian tobacco emerge. The palate is medium bodied, pleasantly round with sea-spray and crushed small stones framing the finish. Redcurrant and forest fruits, some anise, freshly sliced mushroom, and salted blueberry. Remarkable, and will win-over lovers of Loire Valley reds." - David