Château de Sales, located in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, France, boasts a rich history dating back to 1578. It has been owned by the same family for nearly five centuries, making it a rarity in the region. The estate was originally leased from Dominican monks by the Sauvanelle family, who later built the château in 1643. Over the centuries, the property has been passed down through generations, often through female heirs, and has survived events like the French Revolution.
Today, Château de Sales is the largest vineyard in Pomerol, with 47.6 hectares under vine. It is known for producing approachable and fruit-forward wines, primarily from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The estate also emphasizes sustainability, holding a High Environmental Value (HVE) certification since 2020.
An attractive crimson, the wine has a refined and complex nose on black fruit aromas with subtle oaky notes. From an elegant attack, the full-bodied and well-balanced mid-palate reveals rich ripe fruit flavours, especially blackcurrant and black cherry, leading into a long finish underpinned by refined, silky tannins.
Varietal mix: 72.5% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12.5% Cabernet Franc
96 Decanter A serious, brooding nose, darkly seductive with touches of sweet oak and black berries. Alive and fruit forward on the palate but also quite linear and direct. The instant generosity of fruit flavours is really appealing, the mouth is filled with bright summer berry touches and the tannins are ample and supple coating the tongue yet this still has an aerial quality. Feels suave and charming - well worked with lots of precise details with such a minty fresh finish. Excellent ageing potential. Drinking window: 2025 - 2045
93 Wine Enthusiast This powerful wine with layers of new wood and dense black fruits is setting out for serious aging. It comes from one of the largest estates in Pomerol, less well known than it should be. Drink this wine that has great potential from 2026.
93 James Suckling A combination of floral and earthy character here, with aromas of ripe dark and blue fruit and hints of licorice, nut shell and wet earth. Cigar box, too. Medium-bodied, chewy and lingering with bright, vibrant fruit. It has a firm, savory finish with hints of crushed stones. Very typical and true to its terroir. Try after 2024.
90 Wine Spectator A stylish, understated wine, featuring gentle cherry, raspberry, incense and savory notes that glide through easily, with the savory note lingering on the silky finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028.
90 Jeb Dunnuck A classic, fresher, elegant Pomerol from the vintage, the 2019 Château De Sales has a ruby hue as well as a pretty nose of red, black, and blue fruits intermixed with sappy herbs, flowers, and cedar pencil. Medium-bodied, elegant, very pretty, and lightly textured, I love its purity of fruit as well as its balance, although I'd like to have seen a touch more richness and depth. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years - now to 2034.
