FRANÇOIS THIENPONT - 2018 VINTAGE

INTERVIEW AND TASTINGInternational wine critic and Masterclass.com Instructor James Suckling recently tasted with negociant François Thienpont and his son Edward, who distribute the Thienpont family property wines and also represent lesser-known chateaux that produce wines of the same quality as the most illustrious growths. The Bordeaux 2018 wines are proving to be every bit as great as James suspected they would be back when he rated the wines from barrel in Spring 2019.   François described the 2018 vintage as “very powerful and integrated,” while James said wines from the 2018 vintage "have such a full mid-palate that give this beautiful sort of unctuous gourmand character to it." One of the highlights of the tasting was the L’If St.-Emilion 2018, from the same ownership as the legendary Le Pin from Pomerol. James said it is clearly the best wine ever from here, which has only been producing wines since its first official vintage in 2011.Listen to the full podcast for the full conversation and tasting, which included various wines that are listed below. THE WINES TASTED:Château Puygueraud Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Cuvée George 2018Château Puygueraud Francs Côtes de Bordeaux Blanc 2018L’Etoile Lalande-de-Pomerol 2018La Violette du Manoir Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2018Château Pavie-Macquin St.-Emilion 2018L’If St.-Emilion 2018