Vignobles Siozard, Château Lapinesse Cuvée Prestige Rouge, 2019
Vignobles Siozard, Château Lapinesse Cuvée Prestige Rouge, 2019
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14%
- Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
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A beautifully crafted Bordeaux showcasing ripe blackcurrant, plum, and subtle cedar spice. The palate is plush and well-structured, with fine tannins and a long, elegant finish. Modern in style yet classically Bordeaux - seriously impressive value.
Twin brothers Laurent and Château Siozard have built a strong reputation for crafting expressive, terroir-driven Bordeaux from both banks of the Garonne.
Currently in its primary fruit phase, the Château Lapinesse Cuvée Prestige Rouge, 2019 will integrate further over the next 2-3 years as the oak softens and melds with the fruit. Secondary development should begin around 2028-2029, introducing leather, tobacco and earthy complexity whilst retaining the core blackcurrant character. The wine should reach full maturity by 2030 and hold this peak until 2032, after which the fruit may begin to fade whilst maintaining its elegant structure.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with purple highlights, displaying good concentration and youthful vibrancy.
NoseImmediate blackberry and cassis aromatics lead, followed by subtle cedar and vanilla from oak ageing. There's a pleasing freshness with violet florals and a whisper of graphite minerality. The fruit remains primary but shows good integration with the wood influence.
PalateMedium to full-bodied with supple entry, the Merlot component providing roundness whilst Cabernet adds structure. Ripe blackcurrant and plum flavours dominate, supported by fine-grained tannins that coat the mouth without overwhelming. The oak is well-judged, adding spice rather than masking the fruit.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering dark fruit and a touch of cedar spice.
Overall impressionA polished, modern Bordeaux that delivers immediate pleasure whilst retaining classical proportions.
Food Pairings
In Bordeaux, wines like this traditionally accompany the region's hearty cuisine: slow-cooked lamb with garlic and herbs, duck breast with wild mushrooms, and aged beef entrecôte. Local charcuterie featuring rillettes and boudin noir pairs beautifully, as do mature cheeses from the Périgord. The wine's fruit-forward character also complements the region's seasonal game dishes, particularly venison with juniper and wild boar terrine.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C for optimal expression of both fruit and structure. Decant for 30-60 minutes to allow the wine to open, though this isn't essential given its approachable nature. Use large Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the aromatics whilst providing sufficient surface area for aeration. The wine drinks well immediately but benefits from brief breathing time.
Château Lapinesse benefits from well-drained gravelly soils typical of quality Bordeaux vineyards, providing excellent drainage whilst retaining sufficient moisture during dry periods. The maritime influence moderates temperatures, extending the growing season and allowing gradual phenolic ripening. These conditions favour both Merlot and Cabernet varieties, producing wines with concentrated fruit character balanced by natural acidity.
This wine likely originates from one of Bordeaux's satellite appellations or Bordeaux Supérieur, regions that offer excellent value whilst maintaining the classic Bordeaux blend profile. These areas benefit from similar terroir to the prestigious Left and Right Bank appellations but with more flexible regulations, allowing winemakers greater freedom in vineyard management and winemaking techniques. The result is often more approachable wines that capture Bordeaux character without the premium pricing.
The 2019 growing season in Bordeaux delivered precisely what vignerons hope for: a textbook combination of adequate winter rainfall, a warm spring that encouraged even budbreak, and crucially, a hot, dry summer that concentrated flavours without excessive stress. The harvest unfolded under ideal conditions, with producers able to pick at optimal ripeness levels across both banks of the Gironde. Unlike some recent vintages that demanded careful vineyard management to navigate extremes, 2019 allowed winemakers to focus on expressing terroir rather than managing crisis.
The resulting wines display remarkable consistency across the region, with both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot achieving full phenolic ripeness whilst retaining excellent natural acidity. Right Bank properties produced wines with exceptional depth and silky tannins, while Left Bank estates crafted structured, age-worthy wines with impressive colour and concentration. Quality levels are genuinely high throughout the hierarchy, from petit château to First Growth. These wines are drinking beautifully now for those seeking early pleasure, though the finest examples will reward patience well into the 2040s and beyond.
FAQs
What food pairs best with this Bordeaux blend?
This wine excels with red meat dishes - try it with roast lamb, grilled ribeye steak, or slow-braised beef. The fruit-forward character also works well with duck breast and aged hard cheeses.
Should I decant this wine?
Brief decanting for 30-60 minutes will help the wine open up, though it's not essential. The wine is approachable straight from the bottle but benefits from some aeration to fully express its aromatics.
How long will this wine age?
Drink now until 2032. The wine is designed for relatively early consumption whilst retaining enough structure to develop secondary complexity over the next 4-6 years.
What makes this a 'Cuvée Prestige'?
This represents the producer's top selection, likely from their finest vineyard parcels and given extended ageing. Expect greater concentration, better oak integration, and more structured tannins than their standard bottlings.
How does this compare to Left Bank Bordeaux?
This offers similar varietal character and structure but in a more accessible, fruit-forward style. It delivers Bordeaux authenticity at a more approachable price point, emphasising immediate drinkability over long-term cellaring potential.
What's the ideal serving temperature?
Serve at 16-18°C - slightly cooler than room temperature. This allows the fruit character to shine whilst maintaining the wine's structural elements. Use large wine glasses to maximise aromatics.
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