Château LAMOTHE BERGERON - Villa Romefort Les Sables Noirs 2019
In Cussac-Fort-Médoc, within the Haut-Médoc appellation, Villa Romefort Les Sables Noirs is part of the viticultural environment of Château Romefort, a neighboring property of Château Lamothe-Bergeron. The vineyard is situated on typical sandy-gravelly terroirs of this part of Médoc, where natural drainage promotes regular ripening of the red grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon plays a decisive role in the wine's identity, providing structure, freshness, and depth, while Merlot complements the blend with a softer texture. The 2019 vintage benefits from generous ripeness that gives the fruit a particularly clear expression without erasing the Médoc framework. The estate aims for an accessible style but sufficiently structured to evolve over several years in the bottle. This approach results in present tannins without excessive austerity and an aromatic expression dominated by black fruits and smoky notes. The whole offers a classic and balanced reading of Haut-Médoc.
The 2019 vintage is based on a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. Grapes from sandy-gravelly soils give the Cabernet a straight framework, while Merlot brings more roundness to the mid-palate. The aging is carried out for about twelve to fourteen months in second-use barrels, a choice that limits the impact of new wood and preserves the expression of the fruit. This maturation nevertheless brings fine toasted and spicy nuances that naturally complement the black fruit profile. The 2019 structure remains dense enough to support a few additional years of aging. The tannins, now gradually softened, provide a velvety texture while maintaining good firmness. The freshness of the vintage extends the whole and maintains a precise balance between ripeness, structure, and pleasure.
The color shows a deep garnet hue with still strong ruby reflections. The nose develops blackberry, blackcurrant, and blueberry, accompanied by smoky notes, licorice, and soft spices. Upon aeration, nuances of cedar, tobacco, and lightly toasted bread appear, enriching the fruit without dominating it. The palate has a frank attack, followed by a broad body with enveloping and now well-integrated tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon provides precise structure while Merlot adds more suppleness and volume. The finish retains a beautiful tension, with a return to black berries, spices, and a slight smoky dimension. Villa Romefort Les Sables Noirs 2019 will accompany a rib steak, a rack of lamb, duck breast, mustard rabbit, or mushroom dishes.
Grape varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
