Chateau Senejac Haut Medoc 2019
The Wine
54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot
‘Now biodynamic, Chateau Senejac has gone from being a lightish luncheon claret to a lower yielding, deeper and fuller wine that much better demonstrates its inland terroir and the high proportion of the Cabernet grapes here. The improvements wrought by Alfred Tesseron and the team from cult Chateau Pontet-Canet have really changed the vineyard and therefore the wines for the better and for pure drinking pleasure this is a buy.
Ever since the Cordier family, of Chateau Talbot, bought this 39-hectare estate in 1999, its reputation has been quietly escalating, and it received another jump in 2008, when the Pontet-Canet wine-making team came onboard. With Jean-Michel Comme in charge of the vineyards, it is no surprise that this estate – as at Pontet Canet – is now certified biodynamic. ....this remains one of the most exciting properties on the Left Bank.’
Jane Anson, Decanter
90 Pts William Kelley, Wine Advocate (Apr 2022) 'Vinified by Château Talbot's Jean-Michel Laporte, the 2019 Sénéjac delivers aromas of smoky blackberries, pencil shavings and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, lively and charming palate framed by fine tannins and concluding with a saline, mouthwatering finish. It's a fine effort that comes recommended. Drink 2021 - 2039.'
89-91 Pts Neal Martin, Vinous 'The 2019 Sénéjac offers juicy ripe mulberry and raspberry scents on the nose, traces of tobacco coming through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins and pretty red fruit. I would have liked more grip and body on the saline finish. Elegant though.'
92 Pts James Suckling 'Currant, berry and tobacco aromas and flavors with some thyme and coffee bean. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Needs time to soften. Try after 2024.'
92 Pts Georgina Hindle, Decanter 'A heady seductive nose, rich ripe full fruits on the nose with a gentle and inviting pot pourri nose. Lovely freshness here and seering, mouthwatering cherry juice flavours - acidity is marked but in a really well balanced harmonious way. Just great energy and brightness. No massie complexity but what is delivered is excellent quality fruit that has been well handled. One for earlier drinking to enjoy the pretty, balanced and bright wine. Bordeaux at its most approachable. Drink 2023 - 2033.'
The 2019 represents astounding value. A 'Claret that benefits from air contact/decant and certainly a stella option to pop a case away and lose in the cellar for a decade… TC
The Details
Variety - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Country - France
Region - Bordeaux
Extra - Cork
Year - 2019
Volume - 750ml
