The 2019 La Gravette de Certan, 100% Merlot in this vintage, is a total knock-out. Pliant and racy in the glass, with terrific fruit density, the 2019 dazzles right out of the gate with its alluring personality. Bright acids and supple tannins add to its immeasurable appeal. The Gravette, VCC's young-vine, second wine, is a total star.

The 2019 La Gravette de Certan is a fleshy, charming wine, bursting with aromas of cherries, minty blackberries and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, ample and giving, it's sensual and succulent, with an enveloping core of fruit, supple tannins and lively acids. It's entirely composed of Merlot this year and largely derived from vines planted in 2010, supplemented by a plot planted in 1998.

The 2019 La Gravette de Certan comes from the younger vines and is pure Merlot this year. It presents a pretty nose of dark berry fruit, touches of rose petal and light sous-bois scents. The palate is well balanced, the one-third new oak neatly enmeshed, and there’s fine acidity if just a little brevity toward the finish. Enjoy this over the next decade.

Tasted blind. Fresh and minty on the nose. Almost more New World than Bordeaux! No shortage of acidity. If someone told me this was Chile’s finest wine, I would not be surprised. Good, youthful wine. (JR)