Château de Pressac is a historic Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The château is perched on a limestone plateau overlooking the Dordogne River, offering breathtaking views and a terroir that plays a crucial role in the wine’s complexity. Beyond its winemaking significance, Château de Pressac holds a place in French history, as it was the site where the English forces officially surrendered in 1453, marking the end of the Hundred Years' War.
The estate has undergone significant transformation under the ownership of Jean-François and Dominique Quenin, who acquired it in 1997. They have modernized the vineyard while respecting its heritage, improving both viticultural and winemaking techniques. Today, Château de Pressac spans 36 hectares, cultivated with an unusually diverse mix of grape varieties for the region, contributing to the unique character of its wines. The château’s commitment to quality has earned it a strong reputation, culminating in its official classification as a Grand Cru Classé in 2012.
Blend: 77% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Fanc, 2% Carmenere, 1% Malbec
95 Vinous The 2019 de Pressac is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. A complex, mesmerizing wine, Pressac offers up an exotic mélange of black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, spice and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. Espresso, lavender, dried rose petal and cedar linger on the complex, beautifully delineated finish. The 2019 is seriously impressive. It's as simple as that.
94 Decanter Sweet cherry and violets on the nose. Lovely smooth texture with fruit that has great precision and mouth watering acidity - strawberry, red cherries and redcurrants. It's fresh and fruity with a texture that just gently grips and holds interest. I like this and the long finish too. Just the barest hint of freshly picked mint leaves on the finish adding a cooling element to the final impression. Drinking Window 2024 - 2042.
94 James Suckling Very beautiful aromas of redcurrants and ripe plums with bark and moss, following through to a medium to full body with firm, creamy tannins and hints of salt and fresh herbs. So attractive now, but much better in 2025 and onwards.
91 Jeb Dunnuck I loved the 2019 Château De Pressac from barrel, and it showed nicely from bottle, with a charming, nicely balanced, elegant profile that still brings plenty of fruit. Black cherries, blackberries, spicy oak, and dried herbs all define the nose, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, has ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length. It already offers pleasure, but I'd give bottles just a handful of years in the cellar, and it's going to evolve for 15 years or more.
89 Wine Spectator Delivers plum and blackberry compote flavors that are forward and rich in feel, with licorice root and alder accents adding some contrast through the finish. Features a subtle savory echo at the very end. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Malbec. Drink now through 2032. 7,500 cases made, 400 cases imported.
