2019 is the middle of the fantastic vintage trio 18/19/20. Stylistically, however, it is more of a pole, the opposite of the soft and opulent 2018s, 2019 is more grippy, has bite and is likely to have a very long life. 2020 is stylistically more in the middle.
Chateau de la Rivière has had a meteoric rise in the last 10 years. The previously often rustic wine is unrecognizable since the brilliant oenologist Claude Gros was hired. The latest vintages of la Rivière are not only remarkable, they have a substance and fullness that is rarely found in Fronsac.
The press reviews for the 2019 vintage are downright euphoric for this price range. See below. This delicious Fronsac is not to be missed.
Optimal drinking | now until 2043+ |
Analysis data | 14.0% Alc. Vol., under 2.0 g/L residual sugar |
Maturation | 15 months in barriques, 40% new oak |
Grape varieties | 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec |
Reviews | 93-94/100 Yves Beck, 91-92 J. Suckling, 90-93/100 van Velsen (all 2019 vintage) |
Closure | Natural cork |
Type | dry red wine |
Distributor: SCA Château de La Rivière, 33126 La Rivière Fronsac - France
Produced in France. Contains sulphites