Domaine de Long Dai 2019

October 1
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The 2019 Domaine de Long Dai is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 6% Marselan, a blend that partly reflects the warm, dry year that was 2019 (not dissimilar to 2018). The 2019 Long Dai has a deep purple appearance. On the nose, there is some lifted but very young dark fruit showing cassis, bramble, mulberry, black cherry and a hint of blueberry with a touch of violet as well as some slight herbaceous notes (sage, green bell pepper). These primary characters are complemented by some gentle new oak influence (the 2019 Long Dai having been matured in a range of French barriques both new and old for some 18 months). On the palate, the 2019 Long Dai is austere in this youthful stage with fine-grained, coating tannins showing to the fore, some refreshing acidity—so typical of wines from this region—and relatively well-integrated 14.5% alcohol. This structure is nicely fleshed out with the dark fruit and savory oak notes. With its relatively long length, the 2019 vintage does not have the same density as the 2018, but it will be fascinating to see how both vintages age. Better approached from 2022, the 2019 Long Dai will improve in bottle over the next 6-8 years and perhaps beyond. RP92