Barsac - Doisy Daene
James Suckling 93-94: "Serious density and spiciness with a full body, lovely sweetness and a flavorful, spicy finish. Lovely botrytis."
Barsac - Extravagant de Doisy Daene
Barsac - Coutet
James Suckling 91-92: "Pleasant center palate to this young Barsac. Medium-bodied and very sweet, but lacks a bit of botrytis for me."
Barsac - Broustet
James Suckling 93-94: "Shows some beautiful spiciness and intensity with wild fruit and lovely sweetness. Dried mushrooms, too. Medium to full-bodied. Pretty tannic texture and a flavorful finish. Very well done."
Bordeaux - Doisy Daene Blanc Sec
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The Doisy Daëne 2018 Blanc Sec is a little closed and still a bit cloudy at this nascent stage. It gives lovely lemon tart and grapefruit scents with hints of lime leaves and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, tightly wound, refreshing and citrusy, it has a nice, long mineral-laced finish."
Bordeaux - Mont Perat Rouge
Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Mont-Pérat is a little broody to begin, with notions of tar, woodsmoke and charcuterie over a core of baked redcurrants and blackberry preserves plus a waft of fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives a firm line of chewy tannins and lovely freshness, lifting the earthy flavors on the finish."
Bordeaux - Mont Perat Blanc
Wine Advocate 87-89: "The Mont-Pérat 2018 Blanc reveals notions of lime juice, yuzu zest and green mango with touches of wet slate and dill seed. Medium-bodied, the palate gives soft-spoken citrus and tropical layers with just enough freshness and a white pepper finish."
Bordeaux - Girolate
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Girolate comes bounding out of the glass with gregarious black cherry compote, blueberry pie and baked plums scents with nuances of Chinese five spice, potpourri and dark chocolate. Full-bodied with a bright streak of freshness running through the rich, spicy flavors, it is supported by velvety tannins and finishes long."
Bordeaux - Girolate Blanc
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The Girolate 2018 Blanc leaps from the glass with notes of poached pears, guava and honeydew melon plus hints of lime zest and yuzu. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with rich tropical and melon flavors plus a racy backbone, finishing with a peppery kick."
Bordeaux - La Tour Carnet Blanc
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The la Tour Carnet 2018 Blanc leaps from the glass with bold lime cordial, lemongrass and green guava notes plus hints of honeysuckle and lanolin. Medium-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and a satiny texture, finishing spicy."
Bordeaux - Blanc de Valandraud
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc slips out of the glass with softly spoken notes of lemongrass, lime cordial and chalk dust giving way to a core of fresh pineapple and green mango with a waft of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate gives bags of citrus and tropical fruit and a racy line lifting the long finish."
Bordeaux - Virginie de Valandraud Blanc
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Virginie de Valandraud Blanc slips out of the glass with softly spoken notes of lemongrass, lime cordial and chalk dust giving way to a core of fresh pineapple and green mango with a waft of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate gives bags of citrus and tropical fruit and a racy line lifting the long finish."
Bordeaux - Blanc de Chasse Spleen
Bordeaux - Arums de Lagrange
Canon Fronsac - Canon Pecresse
Wine Advocate 88-90: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Canon Pécresse features scents of crushed blueberries, warm black raspberries and plum preserves with touches of dried herbs and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling black fruit with loads of earthy sparks and a soft texture, finishing juicy."
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux - Montlandrie
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet, the 2018 Montlandrie is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14.5% alcohol and is currently aging in 40% new oak. Deep purple-black in color, it features fragrant notes of lilacs, Morello cherries and blueberry compote over a core of plum preserves and woodsmoke plus a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate is richly fruited with black and blue fruits, lifted by earthy accents and lovely freshness, finishing long and velvety textured."
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux - Clos Lunelles
Wine Advocate: "Owned by Gérard Perse of Château Pavie, who noted the striking similarities between the terroir here and at Pavie, this is a 9.5-hectare vineyard on the limestone plateau of Castillon. Grapes were harvested October 1-2, with yields of 37 hectoliters per hectare. The 2018 Clos Lunelles is blended of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 14.46% alcohol and a 3.64 pH. Very deep purple-black in color, it delivers bold, exuberant scents of crushed black cherries, plum pudding and kirsch with nuances of mulberries, dark chocolate, espresso and star anise with suggestions of mossy bark, truffles and tapenade. Full-bodied with concentrated black fruit and earthy layers, it has a firm, grainy texture and fantastic freshness, finishing long and mineral sparked."
Fronsac - Dalem
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Dalem (90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc) is deep garnet-purple in color and a little broody to begin, giving way to a core of baked blueberries, kirsch, redcurrant jelly and blackberry pie plus wafts of bay leaves and truffles. Full-bodied with bags of generous black fruit sparked by red fruit accents and a firm, velvety texture, it has a lovely refreshing lift on the finish."
Fronsac - Fontenil
Wine Advocate 93-95: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Fontenil struts out of the glass with confident black plum preserves, black cherries and mulberries scents plus suggestions of underbrush, Indian spices, violets and mossy bark. Full-bodied, rich and decadently fruited, it has a solid, plush frame and loads of freshness, finishing long and perfumed."
Fronsac - Vrai Canon Bouche
Wine Advocate 88-90: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Vrai Canon Bouché bursts from the glass with baked plums, blueberry preserves and spice cake scents plus notes of unsmoked cigars, bay leaves and mossy bark. Full, rich and laden with juicy fruit, it has soft, rounded tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with an herbal lift."
Fronsac - La Vieille Cure
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Vieille Cure reveals a wonderfully savory nose of chargrilled meats, dried herbs and Marmite toast with a core of baked plums, blackberry preserves and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with vibrant black and blue fruits plus loads of savory sparks and a plush texture, finishing with a refreshing lift."
Graves - Clos Floridene Rouge
Wine Advocate 87-89: "The 2018 Clos Floridene is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of bright black and red fruits, cassis, meats and woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate is chewy with a savory finish."
Graves - Clos Floridene Blanc
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The Clos Floridene 2018 Blanc gives tropical scents of green guava, mango and pineapple with touches of honeysuckle and fresh ginger. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers fantastic freshness and mineral-tinged citrus layers, finishing long and clean."
Haut Medoc - Charmail
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Charmail comes from the lieu-dit Charmail in Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne. The blend is 39% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and 11% Petit Verdot. Aging is projected to run 12 months in 30% new oak barrels. The rest of the wine is aging in 17-hectoliter concrete eggs and 500-liter barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up very spicy notes of cracked black pepper, cumin seed and cloves over a core of warm plums, blackcurrant cordial, underbrush and a waft of cedar. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grainy line cutting through the muscular fruit, finishing with a lively herbal lift."
Haut Medoc - Bellevue
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Made of 100% Merlot, the 2018 Bellevue is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up wonderfully expressive scents of baked black cherries, plum preserves and blueberry coulis with hints of mocha, licorice, dried spearmint and chargrill plus a waft of cardamom and Indian spices. Medium to full-bodied with bags of rich, seductive fruit, it is laden with bright earthy sparks and has a soft, plush texture, finishing with fantastic freshness and energy."
Haut Medoc - Tour Carnet
Wine Advocate 90-92: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 la Tour Carnet features notes of warm black cherries, dark chocolate, star anise and garrigue over a core of blackcurrant cordial, black raspberries and black tea. Medium to full-bodied with a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins, it has a muscular mid-palate and a refreshing herbal lift on the finish."
Haut Medoc - Larrivaux
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larrivaux features baked berries, warm cassis and herbs with pencil shavings and olives notions on the nose. Full, rich and concentrated, it has firm, grainy tannins with nice freshness and great length."
Haut Medoc - Lanessan
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Lanessan is deep garnet-purple colored with black cherries, cassis, mulberries and baked plums on the nose with herbs, earth and tea hints. Medium to full-bodied, it is a little chewy and herbal with the oak poking through on the finish."
Haut Medoc - Clement Pichon
Haut Medoc - Sociando Mallet
Haut Medoc - Belgrave
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Belgrave reveals scents of crushed blackberries, wild blueberries and fresh blackcurrants with touches of damp soil, fungi, charcuterie and sautéed herbs. Full-bodied and completely packed with rich, black fruit layers, it has a solid foundation of firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy."
Haut Medoc - Coufran
Wine Advocate 88-90: "Deep garnet-purple, the 2018 Coufran is a little broody to begin, giving way to pronounced notes of smoked meats, fertile loam, truffles and tapenade over a core of Black Forest cake, warm cassis and blackberry pie. Full, rich and decadently fruited in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and savory."
Haut Medoc - Cantemerle
Wine Advocate 86-88: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cantemerle delivers notions of crème de cassis, raisin cake and prunes with hints of Chinese five spice and dusty soil. Full-bodied and boldly fruited with dried berries and fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing spicy."
Haut Medoc - Sociando Mallet
Wine Advocate 85-87: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Sociando-Mallet has a nose of baked fruits, stewed plums, earth and herbs with a waft of menthol. The palate is full-bodied, firm, hard and chewy with an herbal, hot finish."
Lalande de Pomerol - Fleur de Bouard
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Fleur de Boüard displays pronounced scents of baked blackberries, black cherry coulis and tilled soil with hints of kirsch, dried herbs and fungi. Medium to full-bodied with generous black fruits and a soft texture, it has just enough freshness and an earthy finish. The blend here is 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon."
Lalande de Pomerol - Plus de La Fleur de Bouard
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Made of 100% Merlot, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Le Plus is quite closed and broody to begin, opening to give notions of baked plums, warm black cherries and kirsch plus touches of Chinese five spice, bay leaves and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely packed with ripe, rich black fruits with loads of earth and herbal accents to brighten it up, framed by rounded tannins, finishing long and spicy."
Lalande de Pomerol - Cruzelles
Wine Advocate 91-93: "This is produced by Denis Durantou of Château L’Eglise Clinet. The 2018 Les Cruzelles is blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc with 40% new oak and 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it features slightly reduced notions of asphalt and tires over a core of warm red and black plums, blackberry pie and boysenberries with hints of fruitcake, incense and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and packed with perfumed black fruit, it has a velvety texture and seamless freshness, finishing long."
Lussac St Emilion - Bel Air Jean & Gabriel
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cuvée Jean Gabriel leaps from the glass with bold notes of crushed blackberries, black cherry compote and redcurrant jelly with hints of spice box, violets and anise. Full-bodied, concentrated and seductive, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness to lift the finish."
Margaux - Arsac
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 D'Arsac is scented of cassis, redcurrant jelly and warm plums with hints of lavender, tilled soil and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it is soft-spoken with lovely plush tannins and good density, finishing with an herbal lift."
Margaux - Tour de Mons
Wine Advocate 88-90: "The 2018 La Tour de Mons is deep garnet-purple colored, opening with cedar over red and black fruit, black cherries and dried herbs with a waft of mossy bark. The palate is full-bodied, firm and grainy with an oaky finish."
Margaux - Dauzac
Wine Advocate 87-89: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Dauzac gives up pronounced crème de cassis, baked plums and dried mulberries scents with hints of Indian spices, sautéed herbs and dusty earth. Full-bodied and packed with muscular black fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and goes a little warm on the finish."
Margaux - Marquis d'Alesme
Wine Advocate 94-96: "The 2018 Marquis d'Alesme Becker is from the lieu-dit Les Terrasses de Margaux. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and it has 14.5% alcohol. It is to be aged 18 months in 65% new and 35% two-year-old barrels. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with bold, expressive black cherries, warm plums, crème de cassis and red roses scents with touches of baking spices, potpourri and fragrant earth. Full-bodied, rich and opulent, it completely fills the palate with hedonic black fruit preserves and spices, framed by firm, velvety tannins and finishing with fantastic length."
Margaux - Labegorce
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Beginning with the 2009 vintage, Labégorce Zédé has been folded into Labégorce, both of which are owned by the Perrodo family (as is the recently acquired Marquis d'Alesme). The 53-hectare vineyard has thus grown to 65 hectares and remains situated on the plateau just north of the town of Margaux, across the road from Lascombes. Density now approaches 10,000 vines per hectare with an average age in 2018 of 29 years. Aging is in 40% new and 60% one-year-old barrels. The blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot and it has 14% alcohol. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Labégorce is a little subdued by cedar to begin, giving way to a core of plum preserves, Black Forest cake and Indian spices with wafts of garrigue and lavender. Full, concentrated and laden with black fruit preserves, it has an approachable frame of firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a peppery note."
Margaux - Boyd Cantenac
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Boyd-Cantenac features smoked meats, dried herbs and savory aromas over baked berries and cassis with a pencil lead hint. The palate is full-bodied with a soft texture and bags of fruit and herb sparks, finishing warm."
Margaux - Marojallia
Wine Advocate 92-94: "This vineyard is situated between Le Tertre and Monbrison in the parish of Arsac on deep, gravelly soils. It is planted at a high density of 6,500-10,000 vines per hectare. The average age of the vines for this section was 60 years old in 2018. It is aging in one-third new French oak barrels, one-third in second year barrels and the rest in vats. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, and it has 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Marojallia is a little reticent to begin and then, with coaxing, reveals fragrant rose hip tea, cedar chest, fallen leaves and cinnamon stick scents over a core of black cherry compote, warm cassis and plum pudding. Full-bodied and decadently fruited, the palate has a plush frame and just enough freshness supporting the generous fruit, finishing long and spicy."
Margaux - Siran
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Siran opens with quietly spoken notions of baked blackberries, blackcurrant cordial and bay leaves with hints of scorched earth, tar and tobacco. The full-bodied palate is restrained and elegantly played with subtle earth layers among the black fruit and a solid foundation of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with earth and mineral nuances."
Margaux - Prieure Lichine
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Prieure-Lichine slips sensuously out of the glass with gorgeous raspberry coulis, chocolate-covered cherries and warm cassis scents with hints of candied violets, licorice, camphor and wilted roses. The full-bodied, richly fruited palate is beautifully perfumed with loads of floral accents and has a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing long with some mineral notions coming through. Very pretty."
Margaux - Desmirail
Wine Advocate 87-89: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Desmirail comes rolling out of the glass with exuberant blackcurrant cordial, prunes and baked cherries scents plus hints of tobacco, fried herbs and woodsmoke. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture with just enough freshness and bags of spiced berry preserves flavors, finishing on an earthy note."
Margaux - Malescot Saint Exupery
wine Advocate 94-96: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Malescot St. Exupery comes prancing out of the glass with flamboyant raspberry coulis, kirsch and redcurrant jelly scents over a fresh blackcurrant and boysenberry core with wafts of red roses, cinnamon stick and forest floor. Full-bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, the palate delivers stacks of red fruit, cassis and floral layers with a firm, finely grained frame and plenty of freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Just lovely."
Margaux - Rauzan Gassies
Wine Advocate 93-95: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Rauzan-Gassies rocks up with flamboyant notions of kirsch, blackberry preserves, warm cassis and Chinese five spice with touches of black tea, red roses and menthol plus a waft of molten chocolate. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, it has a solid core of rich fruit, finishing long with perfumed red and black fruit layers."
Margaux - Marquis de Terme
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Marquis de Terme gives up bold blackberry compote, blueberry pie and crème de cassis scents with nuances of menthol, tobacco and cedar chest. The full-bodied palate is quite serious and stern, with firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness to support the pure, pronounced black fruits, finishing with a minty lift."
Margaux - Palmer
Wine Advocate 97-99: "The 2018 Palmer is composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. Grapes were harvested September 13 to October 15, and the wine has a 3.83 pH and 14.3% alcohol. Very deep purple-black in color, the nose is a little reticent to begin, but with coaxing, it slowly emerges to show fragrant violets, underbrush, mossy bark and iron ore with exponentially growing notions of crème de cassis, Black Forest cake, plum preserves, hoisin, Christmas cake and red roses with wafts of dusty earth, Indian spices and cracked black pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and downright powerful in the mouth, it has a solid structure of firm, wonderfully plush tannins and masses of fragrant accents, finishing very long and very spicy. By the time I finished tasting this, the nose had exploded in this fragrant bomb of fruit, earth and floral notions. This is one of those 2018 wines that has a beguiling brightness that comes from the many floral, spice and mineral accents among all that rich fruit. WOW!"
Medoc - Potensac
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Potensac is blended of 45% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, all harvested between September 21 and October 13, with yields of 49 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has 14.42% alcohol and is to be aged in barriques, 35% new; the finished blend was put into barrels last December. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with bright, fresh red and black plums, crushed blackcurrants and bay leaves with hints of cracked pepper and damp soil. Full-bodied, rich and laden with red and black fruit layers, it has a plush frame of rounded tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long."
Montagne St Emilion - Clos de Bouard
Wine Advocate 87-89: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos de Bouärd delivers pronounced notions of wild blueberries, mulberries and Black Forest cake with touches of fragrant earth and wild sage. Full-bodied, it has a rock-solid frame of chewy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. The blend here is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon."
Montagne St Emilion - Dame de Bouard
Wine Advocate 88-90: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 La Dame de Bouärd features notes of crushed red and black plums, wild blueberries and black cherries with touches of violets, star anise and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely poise, with soft tannins and background freshness supporting the black and red fruit to a perfumed finish. The blend here is 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon."
Moulis - Mauvesin Barton
James Suckling 92-93: "There is serious depth of fruit in the center palate. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a lovely finish. Shows brightness and minerality."
Moulis - Maucaillou
Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Maucaillou bursts from the glass with notions of plum preserves, baked blueberries and blackcurrant cordial with underlying violets and licorice scents plus a touch of forest floor. Full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, it is packed with earth-laced muscular fruit and finishes just a little firm."
Moulis - Poujeaux
Wine Advocate 86-88: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose of the 2018 Poujeaux is a little reticent to begin, offering glimpses at smoked meats and tar over a core of warm red and black currants plus a waft of Marmite toast. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers plenty of earth-laced black fruit and a firm, chewy texture, finishing with an herbal lift."
Pauillac - La Fleur Peyrabon
Pauillac - Haut Bages Liberal
Pauillac - Croizet Bages
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Croizet Bages gives up vibrant notes of crushed red and black currants, Morello cherries and baked raspberries with touches of tobacco, dried herbs and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is filled with generous red and black fruit preserves, supported by firm, grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing with an invigorating herbal lift."
Pauillac - Fonbadet
Wine Advocate 89-91+: "This 20-hectare vineyard in Saint-Lambert (currently 17.33 hectares are in production) is planted to a density of 10,000 vines per hectare with an average age in 2018 of 60 years. The wine is aging in 50% new barrels and 50% second year barrels. The blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Fonbadet reveals intense notions of freshly crushed blackcurrants, kirsch and blackberry coulis with touches of truffles, crushed rocks, black pepper and unsmoked cigars. Medium-bodied and laden with ripe, juicy fruit, it has a soft, plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing earthy."
Pauillac - Lynch Moussas
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Lynch Moussas is deep garnet-purple colored and begins with cedary scents giving way to cassis, warm plums and raspberry coulis with hints of oolong tea, Marmite toast, sautéed herbs and charcuterie. The full-bodied palate gives a good core of muscular fruit with firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory."
Pauillac - Haut Batailley
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Blended of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot aging in 60% new barriques, the 2018 Haut Batailley is very deep purple-black in color and takes some coaxing to reveal profound notes of dark chocolate, crème de cassis, blueberry pie and anise with waves of raspberry pie, lavender and Indian spices. Full, very tightly would and jam-packed with layers of crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long with a mineral hint coming through."
Pauillac - Armailhac
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 D'Armailhac (14.5% alcohol) is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested September 12 to October 3. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals a very fruity nose of crushed blackberries, warm black cherries and mulberries plus hints of potpourri, spice cake and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, the decadent palate delivers loads of black berry layers and a firm, grainy frame with underlying freshness and an earthy finish. Wonderfully opulent D’Armailhac!"
Pauillac - Clerc Milon
Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Clerc Milon is composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère. Grapes were harvested a bit later here than at Mouton, from September 17 to October 10. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold scents of warm cassis, blackberry compote and dark chocolate with hints of Morello cherries, baking spices and dried roses plus a waft of underbrush. It has a wonderfully rich, confidently sensuous palate with plenty of spicy layers and a velvety texture, finishing long and perfumed. This should age incredibly."
Pauillac - Duhart Milon
Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Duhart-Milon is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, with the Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 25 to October 4 and the Merlot harvested September 17-25, and it has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, woodsmoke, potpourri and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and laden with layers of black fruit preserves and spices, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. Very impressive—the densest, most opulent Duhart I have tasted!"
Pessac Leognan - Couhins Lurton
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Couhins-Lurton has stern, serious scents of black soil, truffles and tar over a core of baked plums and crème de cassis plus a waft of sautéed herbs. Medium to full-bodied with good concentration and framed by fine-grained tannins, it has lovely freshness and a crunchy fruit finish."
Pessac Leognan - La Louviere
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 la Louviere flaunts a bold, brash nose of baked cherries, crème de cassis and blueberry pie with hints of woodsmoke, cedar chest, balsamic, black olives and menthol. Full-bodied and richly fruited, it has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a lingering minty lift."
Pessac Leognan - Fieuzal Rouge
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 de Fieuzal rocks up with gregarious scents of baked plums, stewed cherries and dried mulberries plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, unsmoked cigars and sautéed herbs. The rich, full-bodied palate has loads of exotic spice and raisin cake layers with a firm, chewy frame, finishing just a little hard."
Pessac Leognan - Fieuzal Blanc
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The de Fieuzal 2018 Blanc bursts from the glass with gregarious green mango, guava and fresh limes scents followed by green apples and pineapple plus a waft of honeysuckle. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with topical and citrus layers, with a satiny texture and bold freshness, finishing savory."
Pessac Leognan - Lespault Martillac Rouge
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Lespault-Martillac is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of warm black cherries, red and black plums and fragrant earth with wild sage nuances. The palate is medium to full-bodied and lively with muscular fruit and grainy tannins, finishing with an herbal lift."
Pessac Leognan - Haut Bergey Rouge
Wine Advocate 90-92: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Haut Bergey reveals pronounced notes of crème de cassis, stewed plums and baked blackberries with hints of spice cake, mincemeat pie and bay leaves. Full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, the palate delivers a great concentration of berry preserves layers, finishing savory."
Pessac Leognan - Haut Bergey Blanc
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The Haut Bergey 2018 Blanc slips effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant lemon juice, yuzu zest and green guava scents with touches of crushed rocks and coriander seed. Medium-bodied with elegant citrus and mineral layers, it has a racy line of freshness and good length."
Pessac Leognan - Malartic Lagraviere Rouge
Wine Advocate 92-94: "This is a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, to be aged for 18-22 months in oak barriques, 70% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Malartic Lagraviere gives scents of baked red and black cherries, warm blackcurrants and balsamic with touches of underbrush, moss-covered bark and tobacco. Full-bodied, firm and chewy in the mouth, it packs in the berry preserves with some pepper and spice sparks coming through on the long finish."
Pessac Leognan - Malartic Lagraviere Blanc
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Fermented in 55% new barrels and blended of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Sémillon, the 2018 Malartic Lagraviere 2018 Blanc is a little closed to start, soon opening on the nose to reveal ripe apples, Bosc pears and warm peach scents with hints of wet pebbles and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with apple and pear flavors with just enough freshness and an oily texture, finishing long and spicy."
Pessac Leognan - Brown Rouge
Wine Advocate 86-88: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Brown features crème de cassis and baked plums aromas with hints of fried herbs and tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied and very chewy with an earthy finish."
Pessac Leognan - Brown Blanc
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The Brown 2018 Blanc has an open-knit, expressive nose of lemon tart, key lime pie and warm grapefruit plus hints of crushed stones and mandarin peel. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers great intensity with layers of citrus and mineral notions and a long, lively finish."
Pessac Leognan - Carmes Haut Brion
Wine Advocate 94-96: "The 2018 Les Carmes Haut-Brion is composed of 37% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot. It was made using 52% whole cluster and has 13.75% alcohol. It is anticipated to age 18-24 months in 75% new oak barriques, 16% foudres and 9% amphorae. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is slightly broody and reduced to begin, slowly growing to reveal notions of charcoal, smoked meats, truffles and tilled soil over a core of black raspberries, warm black cherries, blackberry coulis and redcurrant jelly plus wafts of Provence herbs and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and muscular, tense with latent energy, offering a rock-solid backbone of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the bright, vibrant fruit, finishing long and mineral laced."
Pessac Leognan - Pape Clement
Wine Advocate 96-98: "This wine is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc to be aged for approximately 18 months in oak barriques, 60% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pape Clement is a little closed, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant earth, crushed rocks, iron ore and tobacco notions over a core of crushed red and black currants plus kirsch, red roses and Ceylon tea. Full-bodied and wonderfully vivacious, it offers a solid line of firm and fine-grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced."
Pessac Leognan - Pape Clement Blanc
Wine Advocate 94-96: "The Pape Clement 2018 Blanc slips languidly from the glass with tropical notes of warm pineapples, fresh mango and green guava plus hints of nutmeg, orange blossoms, lanolin and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it is absolutely laden with tropical fruit and spice layers, with a racy line to support and long, opulent finish. The blend is 57% Sauvignon Blanc, 39% Sémillon and 4% Muscadelle. Anticipated aging regimen is 14 months in 55% new and 45% second-fill French oak barrels."
Pessac Leognan - Clementin de Pape Clement Blanc
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clement Blanc has gregarious lime juice, lemon meringue pie and ripe peach scents with hints of crushed rocks, wet slate and dill seed. Medium to full-bodied, it has a pleasant oiliness to the texture and oodles of freshness supporting the generous citrus fruit, finishing long."
Pessac Leognan - Clementin de Pape Clement
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Clémentin de Pape Clement offers seductive scents of warm black plums, blackcurrant cordial and Black Forest cake with hints of mocha, Indian spices and violets. Full-bodied, rich and velvety textured, it fills the mouth with black fruit preserves and plenty of freshness, finishing long and perfumed."
Pessac Leognan - Larrivet Haut Brion
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larrivet Haut-Brion offers up notes of baked plums, stewed cherries and warm cassis with hints of wilted roses, bouquet garni and raisin cake. Medium-bodied with a good amount of spicy baked berries flavors, the palate has a clever structure of soft tannins and lovely freshness, finishing with an herbal lift."
Pessac Leognan - Larrivet Haut Brion Blanc
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The Larrivet Haut-Brion 2018 Blanc sashays out of the glass with seductive tropical notes of lychees, mango and passion fruit plus hints of rose hip tea and crushed rocks with a waft of ginger. Medium to full-bodied, rich and oily in the mouth, it has a lovely line of freshness to lift the exotic fruits to a long finish."
Pessac Leognan - Clos Marsalette Blanc
Pessac Leognan - Clos Marsalette Rouge
Pessac Leognan - Olivier Rouge
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Olivier has a wonderfully fragrant nose of black cherries, black raspberries, fresh blackcurrants and kirsch with suggestions of lilacs, cinnamon stick, cloves and camphor. Full-bodied, the palate is beautifully poised with loads of crunchy, bright, energetic fruit and a firm, finely grained texture with loads of freshness and a long, perfumed finish. Stunning!"
Pessac Leognan - Olivier Blanc
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The Olivier 2018 Blanc is a little reticent to begin, opening to give notions of fresh limes, lemon peel, white grapefruit and wet slate with a touch of coriander seed. Medium-bodied, the palate is tight, with great tension and loads of citrusy layers, finishing long and minerally."
Pessac Leognan - Latour Martillac Blanc
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The Latour Martillac 2018 Blanc has an expressive nose of fresh grapefruit, white peaches and lemon juice with hints of lime leaves and chalk dust. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers great intensity with loads of minerally sparks and a long, zesty finish."
Pessac Leognan - Latour Martillac Rouge
Wine Advocate 93-95: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Latour Martillac bursts from the glass with bold cassis, chocolate-covered cherries and plum preserves scents followed up by smoked meats, violets and aniseed hints plus a waft of Provence herbs. Full-bodied, firm and fine-grained in the mouth, the palate is laden with juicy fruit and savory layers, finishing long and fragrant."
Pomerol - Maillet
James Suckling 93-94: "Yum. This shows a beautifully crafted tannin texture with dark-berry, walnut, lavender and sandalwood character. Long and silky-textured."
Pomerol - Taillefer
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Taillefer has a profound licorice and Black Forest cake-scented nose with a core of plum preserves, baked blueberries and mocha. Full-bodied and generously fruited in the mouth, it has a solid, plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing with great length."
Pomerol - Clos Grangeneuve
Pomerol - Bellegrave
Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Bellegrave (Pomerol) gives up notions of raisin cake, prunes and spice box with hints of dried leaves and dusty soil. Full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it has a chewy texture and savory finish."
Pomerol - Clinet
Wine Advocate 94-96: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clinet begins a little coy and then, with coaxing, opens out to vibrant black cherries, kirsch, baked plums and cinnamon stick scents with hints of cloves and anise plus earthy truffles and fungi wafts. Full-bodied and chock-full of bright, energetic fruit, it has a firm, finely grained structure and long, fragrant finish. The blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aging is anticipated to last for 16 months in French oak barriques, 75% new."
Pomerol - Mazeyres
Wine Advocate 88-90: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Mazeyres (66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) offers up bright redcurrant jelly and kirsch scents over a core of preserved plums, blackberry pie and mincemeat plus a touch of woodsmoke. Full-bodied with a velvety texture supporting the generous black fruit preserves, it has loads of spicy sparks on the finish."
Pomerol - Gazin
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Gazin (composed of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc) has quite an earthy/broody nose to begin, with subtle black soil, tar and chargrill notes giving way to a core of prunes, baked blueberries and sautéed herbs. Full, muscular and chewy in the mouth, it has loads of earthy layers and a dried herbs lift on the finish."
Pomerol - Cabanne
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Cabanne (composed of 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc) opens with some cedar/oaky overtones, giving way to a fragrant core of warm black cherries, fresh black plums and blueberry preserves with sparks of spearmint, powdered cinnamon, dried roses and redcurrant jelly. Full-bodied with taut, muscular black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy."
Pomerol - Vieux Maillet
Wine Advocate 88-90: "A blend of 73% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Vieux Maillet rolls out of the glass with vibrant scents of crushed blueberries, warm black cherries and raspberry pie with a plum preserves undercurrent and wafts of red roses, tobacco and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and plenty of freshness backing up the muscular black fruits, finishing on a stewed tea note."
Pomerol - Clos Du Clocher
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Clos du Clocher slips sensuously out of the glass with kirsch, black cherry compote and preserved plums scents with hints of Chinese five spice, candied violets and Ceylon tea. Full-bodied, rich and laden with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, it has a soft texture and just a spark of mid-palate freshness, finishing long and opulent."
Pomerol - La Pointe
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 La Pointe has a deep garnet-purple color and quite a cedary nose to begin over a core of warm black cherries, blackberry pie and spice cake plus nuances of mossy bark, pencil shavings and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and soft freshness enveloping the muscular, savory layers, finishing a little drying."
Pomerol - Bon Pasteur
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Bon Pasteur offers up expressive notions of baked red and black cherries, mulberries and warm blueberries with hints of licorice, chocolate box and menthol. The full-bodied palate has great freshness with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and bags of juicy fruit, finishing long with a minty kick."
Pomerol - Vray Croix de Gay
Pomerol - Rouget
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Rouget sports quite a lot of oak at this stage, opening out to lively red and black plums notes and notions of baked cherries, blueberry compote and dried mulberries plus wafts of raisin cake, tree bark and bouquet garni. Full and concentrated, with a firm, fine-grained frame, it fills the palate with berry preserves and offers plenty of spicy and earthy nuances on the long finish."
Pomerol - Croix St Georges
Pomerol - II de Saint Pierre
Pomerol - St Pierre
Wine Advocate: "This 1.05-hectare vineyard in Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens is planted to a density of 6,600 vines per hectare, and the average vine age in 2018 was 39 years. It has a sandy-gravel topsoil over a deep, gravelly subsoil in Saint-Émilion. It is aging for a projected 15 months in 40% new and 60% second year barrels. From the lieu-dit Magnan, the 2018 Pierre de Lune is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and has 13.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with vibrant black raspberries, baked blueberries and blackberry preserves notes with touches of chargrill, tar, Chinese five spice and prunes. Medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully spicy and juicy with a soft texture and fruity finish. 1,400 potential bottles will be made."
Pomerol - Nenin
Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Nenin is made up of 63% Merlot and 37% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. Yields were 33.8 hectoliters per hectare, and grapes were harvested between September 13 and October 12. The wine is to be aged in barriques, 45% new, and the finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep purple-black in color, it sings of Morello cherries, Black Forest cake, licorice and lavender with a core of plum preserves, unsmoked tobacco and warm blackberries plus a waft of Provence herbs. Full-bodied and concentrated yet bursting with energy, it has a solid backbone of firm, rounded tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long."
Pomerol - Fugue de Nenin
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Fugue de Nenin is composed of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, with 14.4% alcohol. Grapes were harvested September 13 to October 12, with yields of 33.8 hectoliter per hectare. The wine is to be aged in barriques, 25% new—the finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with gregarious black cherries, redcurrant jelly and warm plums scents with nuances of dark chocolate, cloves and anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers lovely rounded tannins and a lively line of freshness supporting the crunchy red and black fruits, finishing with an herbal lift."
Sauternes - Lafaurie Peyraguey
James Suckling 96-97: "You can really see the wild botrytis character in this wine with lots of spice and dried-mushroom character. Full-bodied and intensely sweet palate, yet there’s bright acidity and a spicy finish."
Sauternes - Rabaud Promis
Sauternes - Tour Blanche
James Suckling 90-91: "A Sauternes with pretty richness and a very sweet palate. Some spice at the end. Wait and see."
Sauternes - Rayne Vigneau
Sauternes - Sigalas Rabaud
Sauternes - Lamothe Guignard
James Suckling 92-93: "Shows some pretty spiciness and density here with a medium to full body, solid sweetness and dried mushroom and spice on the finish."
Sauternes - De Malle
Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 De Malleret delivers pronounced notes of baked plums, blackcurrant cordial and Black Forest cake with touches of garrigue, lavender, camphor and black olives. Full-bodied and chock-full of black fruit preserves, it has a firm, chewy texture and soft freshness, finishing peppery."
Sauternes - Filhot
James Suckling 86-87: "Flat and rather uninteresting with a medium body, sweet palate and a caramelized finish."
Sauternes - De Myrat
James Suckling 87-88: "This is very light and easy with pleasant sweetness and freshness, but lacks concentration."
Sauternes - Doisy Vedrines
James Suckling 89-90: "A little syrupy, but some attractive sweetness and it’s a little spicy. Full-bodied. Oily texture at the end."
Sauternes - D'arche
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Pale lemon-gold, the 2018 D'Arche is delicately scented of lemon curd, lime leaves, fresh hay and nutmeg with a core of apricots and fresh pineapple. The palate reveals great freshness and purity with a lovely satiny texture and zesty lift to the finish."
St Emilion - Angelus
Wine Advocate 97-100: “This year we have slightly less Cabernet Franc in the blend because we are only using the oldest vines, planted by my grandfather, as a tribute,” Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal said. “These are 60- to 80-year-old Cabernet Franc vines.” From 2018, 10% of the entire Angélus crop will be aged in large oak foudres. “These produce tighter, more perfumed, brighter wines from less oxygen exposure,” Stéphanie commented. The 2018 Angélus is blended of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, to be aged 18-22 months in barriques, 100% new, plus two new foudres. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with beautiful black raspberries, kirsch, warm plums and red roses scents, building in intensity to reveal chocolate-covered cherries, raspberry coulis, black tea, woodsmoke and powdered cinnamon notions with a waft of black olives and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers a wonderfully profound, multilayered, seamless experience of red and black fruits intertwined with earth, spice and floral notions and framed by exquisitely ripe, satiny tannins, finishing with amazing freshness and length. Incredibly, finely, expertly, seamlessly knit. Stunning."
St Emilion - Carillon d'Angelus
Wine Advocate 92-94: "A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Le Carillon d'Angélus comes bounding out of the glass with bold notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and wild blueberries plus hints of spice box, damp soil, smoked meats and fallen leaves plus a waft of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and blue fruits with firm, rounded tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and earthy."
St Emilion - Couvent Des Jacobins
Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Couvent des Jacobins is made up of 82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it features baked blueberries, stewed plums and redcurrant jelly with hints of cumin seed, cinnamon and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and densely laden with black fruits, it has a velvety texture and plenty of freshness supporting the long, spicy finish."
St Emilion - Laroze
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Laroze bursts from the glass with warm plums, baked cherries and mulberries with hints of chocolate box, tapenade and camphor. Full, rich and opulent with bags of black fruit preserves and spicy sparks framed by velvety tannins, it finishes with a peppery lift."
St Emilion - La Couspaude
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Couspaude is slightly reduced to begin, giving way to compelling notions of Christmas cake, warm black plums and boysenberries with touches of chocolate box, licorice and truffles. Full, concentrated and laden with black fruit preserves and spicy layers, it has a solid, velvety frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy."
St Emilion - Trianon
James Suckling 92-93: "A very fine-grained and beautiful red with dark-berry and chocolate character, medium body and a juicy finish. Nicely integrated."
St Emilion - Croix de Labrie
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Axelle and Pierre Courdurié's 50-year-old, 3.79-hectare vineyard consists of a mix of clay and limestone soils, a portion of which are in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes and another portion of which are located at the foot of the Pavie slope in Saint-Émilion. 2018 yields were just 24 hectoliters per hectare after selection. Aging is to occur in 100% new oak barrels for an anticipated 18 months. The blend is 90% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc and the wine has 14% alcohol. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Croix de Labrie gives up expressive baked black cherries, warm mulberries and plum preserves with kirsch and raspberry tart sparks plus hints of smoked meats, tar and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has lovely freshness and a chewy texture with bags of bright red and black fruit, finishing with an herbal lift."
St Emilion - Fonbel
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Made up of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carménère, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Fonbel gives up spicy notes of Sichuan pepper, cinnamon stick, cloves and fenugreek with a core of warm red and black cherries, mulberries and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has wonderful freshness and a soft, creamy texture supporting the vibrant red and black fruit preserves flavors, finishing with a peppery lift."
St Emilion - Moulin St Georges
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Blended of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Moulin Saint-Georges is deep purple-black colored and opens slowly to display notions of sautéed herbs, menthol and pencil shavings over a core of chocolate-covered cherries, baked plums and cedar plus a waft of potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegantly played with lively, juicy fruit framed by plush tannins and finishes with a floral skip in its step."
St Emilion - Badette
Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 Badette comes from the lieu-dit Badette in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. The Blend is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine is aging in 50% new and 50% second year oak barrels and the estimated aging regimen will run 18 months. With 14% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, it sings of crushed blueberries, warm plums and chocolate-covered cherries with a cedar-kissed undercurrent and loads of exotic spice sparks—cassis, fenugreek and star anise—plus a waft of forest floor. Full-bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, it has a wonderful line of freshness, with finely grained tannins and a long, mineral-tinged finish."
St Emilion - La Clotte
Wine Advocate 93-95: "The 2018 La Clotte is made up of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious scents of crushed blueberries, Morello cherries and black raspberries with touches of oolong tea, violets, mocha and cigar box plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied with a solid frame of fine-grained tannins and oodles of freshness, it is packed with vibrant black and blue fruits layers, finishing long with great purity."
St Emilion - Franc Mayne
Wine Advocate 90-92: "Made of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Franc-Mayne gives up notions of baked plums, warm black and red cherries and blueberry compote with touches of cedar chest, bay leaves and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has plenty of juicy fruit in the mouth with a rounded tannin texture and fantastic freshness, finishing earthy."
St Emilion - Chauvin
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Chauvin is a little shy to begin, revealing pretty scents of wild blueberries, kirsch and warm black cherries followed by hints of violets and star anise. Full, wonderfully intense and concentrated, there is a lot of bright, crunchy fruit here with firm, rounded tannins and a refreshing lift to the long finish. Nicely done!"
St Emilion - Laroque
Wine Advocate 95-97: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Laroque is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant black cherries, wild blueberries and blackberry preserves scents with hints of crushed rocks, underbrush and violets plus a waft of Marmite toast. Full-bodied and jam-packed with bright, crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing very long and layered. Impressive! Being aged in oak barriques, 50% new, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc."
St Emilion - Larmande
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Larmande is blended of 81% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it reveals wild blueberries, black raspberries and kirsch scents followed by Chinese five spice and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with vibrant black fruits plus loads of spicy sparks and a velvety frame, finishing with great freshness."
St Emilion - De Ferrand
Wine Advocate 87-89: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 de Ferrand offers notions of plum preserves, spice cake and mincemeat pie with hints of kirsch, fried herbs and garrigue. The full-bodied palate delivers loads of dried berries flavors with herbal sparks and a chewy texture, finishing on a savory note."
St Emilion - Pierre 1er
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pierre 1er gives expressive blackberries, black cherries and warm plums scents with touches of cloves, mocha and sautéed herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained texture and appealing freshness with a savory finish."
St Emilion - Rol Valentin
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Rol Valentin is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up baked plums, warm cherries and mulberries scents with touches of spice box, forest floor and cigar box plus a waft of black olives. Full-bodied, rich and packed with berry preserves, it has a chewy frame and nice freshness, finishing spicy."
St Emilion - Faugeres
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Faugères, which was harvested beginning September 25, is composed of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slips sensuously from the glass with notions of blackberry compote, wild blueberries and redcurrant jelly with hints of cardamom, cigar box and dusty soil plus a waft of star anise. Full-bodied and built like a brick house, it has a firm backbone of rounded tannins with bold freshness and loads of black fruit preserves layers, finishing long and spicy."
St Emilion - Fonroque
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fonroque (82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc) gives up notions of preserved plums, baked blackberries and dried herbs with hints of raspberry pie, underbrush and black tea. Full-bodied and laden with black fruit, it has loads of red fruit brightness in the mouth with soft, rounded tannins and a refreshing finish."
St Emilion - Quinault L'Enclos
Wine Advocate 92-94: "This a very gravelly soil with great drainage, but not a lot of water during dry periods. Adeptly produced by the team of Cheval Blanc (who purchased the estate in 2008), the wine nonetheless maintained its poise under the dry, warm ripening conditions of 2018, coming in at a respectable pH of 3.67 and relatively moderate alcohol of 14.1%. The 2018 Quinault l'Enclos is blended of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc with 50% new oak and the rest in one-year-old barrels—but only 500-liter and foudres. Deep purple-black in color, it slips seductively out of the glass with notions of warm plums, blueberry preserves and mulberries with touches of spice box, tilled soil, black olives and licorice plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with muscular black fruit and licorice sparks, framed by rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a peppery kick."
St Emilion - Grand Mayne
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Grand Mayne is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up a nose of baked blackberries, prunes and raisin cake with touches of dusty soil, sautéed herbs and fungi. Full and concentrated, with a firm, chewy texture, it delivers a spicy finish."
St Emilion - Sansonnet
Wine Advocate 92-94: "This 35-year-old, 6.96-hectare vineyard is planted to 6,000 vines per hectare on thin clay and limestone soils atop the Saint-Émilion plateau, just across the road from Trottevieille. It comes from the Sansonnet lieu-dit and is blended of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. With 15% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Sansonnet is a little reticent to begin, opening out to notions of stewed plums, warm cassis, blackberry coulis and fruitcake with hints of grilled meats and fried herbs. Big, rich, full and laden with massive black fruit preserves layers, it has a plush texture and spicy finish."
St Emilion - Valandraud
Wine Advocate 95-97: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Valandraud develops slowly from a base of warm black cherries, blackberry compote and preserved plums with a perfume of sandalwood, Indian spices, lavender, wilted roses, mocha and fruitcake plus wafts of woodsmoke and camphor. Full-bodied, the palate is rich, ripe and flamboyant with tons of opulent black and blue fruit layers, wonderfully curtailed by a firm frame of velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and very seductive."
St Emilion - Virginie de Valandraud
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Virginie de Valandraud opens a little broody with notes of damp soil, truffles and chargrill, opening up to display stewed plums, blackberry tart and plum preserves plus nuances of espresso, Marmite toast, tapenade and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness lifting the rich, decadent fruit to a long finish."
St Emilion - Clos Des Jacobins
St Emilion - Tour du Pin Figeac
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Tour du Pin Figeac (Moueix) leaps from the glass with baked blackberries, plum preserves and kirsch notes plus hints of tilled soil and Marmite toast. The full-bodied palate is quite spicy with a firm backbone of rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long."
St Emilion - Croque Michotte
Wine Advocate 86-88: "Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Croque Michotte gives up notes of cedar, balsamic and fried Indian spices over a core of prunes and Morello cherries plus a hint of tar. The full-bodied palate is wearing a lot of oak with a chewy frame and tons of ripe, rich fruit, finishing a little chewy."
St Emilion - Grand Corbin
St Emilion - Mangot Todeschini
St Emilion - Fombrauge
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fombrauge gives up expressive scents of Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and Morello cherries with touches of plum preserves, spice box and potpourri. Full-bodied with a firm, velvety texture and plenty of freshness, all that rich, black fruit delivers a long, spice-sparked finish."
St Emilion - Magrez Fombrauge
St Emilion - Magrez Fombrauge Blanc
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Magrez Fombrauge Blanc is a little subdued on first sniff, opening out to apple tart, ripe pears and nectarine notions plus wafts of coriander seed and waxed lemons. Medium-bodied, the palate has bags of zippy stone fruit and apple layers with a spicy undercurrent and long, refreshing finish."
St Emilion - Pavie Macquin
Wine Advocate 95-97: "The 2018 Pavie Macquin is deep garnet-purple colored and a little closed to begin, slowly revealing subtle notions of dark chocolate, candied violets and rose hip tea over a core of plum preserves, blueberry compote and cherry coulis plus wafts of woodsmoke and crushed stones. Full-bodied, the palate has a seriously impressive structure of ripe, firm, velvety tannins and bold freshness carrying off all that rich black fruit, finishing very long and mineral laced."
St Emilion - Poesia
Wine Advocate 94-96: "This is a final blend composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot harvested October 3-8 and the Cabernet Franc harvested on October 9. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Poesia opens with notes of baked black cherries, mocha, spice cake, redcurrant jelly and black raspberries with nuances of dried roses, aniseed, candied violets and Christmas cake plus a waft of molten licorice. Full-bodied, rich and packed with red and black fruit layers, it has a solid structure of firm, finely grained tannins and compelling freshness, finishing very long and layered."
St Emilion - Barde Haut
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Barde-Haut is a final blend composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sashays sensuously out of the glass with effortless baked blackberries, preserved plums and blueberry pie notes plus hints of incense, powdered cinnamon, cigar box and star anise. Full-bodied and packed with spicy black and blue fruits, it is beautifully textured with firm, velvety tannins and just enough background freshness, finishing very long and seductive."
St Emilion - Les Gravieres
Wine Advocate 94-96: "Made from 100% Merlot, the 2018 Les Gravieres is deep garnet-purple and rocks up with gregarious blueberry pie, chocolate-covered cherries and plum preserves scents with nuances of violets, spice cake and mocha. Big, full and decadently fruited, it has a firm frame of super ripe, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing very long and layered."
St Emilion - Grand Pontet
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Grand-Pontet has a deep purple-black color and begins a bit cedary with underlying mulberries, warm plums and cherry preserves plus wafts of dusty soil, garrigue and dried herbs. Full-bodied and laden with earth-sparked black fruit, it has a chewy frame and finishes a little firm."
St Emilion - Grand Corbin Despagne
Wine Advocate 93-95: "A blend of 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Grand Corbin-Despagne is deep garnet-purple colored and features baked black cherries, mulberries and plum preserves with touches of rose hips, Marmite toast and fallen leaves. Full-bodied, rich and decadent in the mouth, the voluptuous fruit is well framed by firm, rounded tannins and great freshness, finishing long."
St Emilion - Tour Figeac
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Tour Figeac starts off a little shy, giving way to bright, vibrant scents of crushed black and red cherries, warm plums and wild blueberries with hints of violets, licorice, woodsmoke and garrigue. Full-bodied, it has a good amount of understated blue and black fruit in the mouth with rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with red fruit sparks."
St Emilion - Clos de L'Oratoire
St Emilion - Beau Sejour Becot
Wine Advocate 95-97: "The 2018 Beau-Sejour Becot is composed of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot was harvested on September 12-25, and the Cabernet varieties were harvested on October 4, 5 and 10. Yields were 46 hectoliters per hectare, and it is anticipated that the wine will age for 16 months. Sixty-five percent of the wine will be matured in new barriques, while 35% will be aged in vats, amphorae and large oak casks of 20-hectoliter capacity. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold, expressive notions of stewed plums, blackberry pie and Black Forest cake with nuances of menthol, mocha, molten licorice and wild sage plus a waft of lavender. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with latent energy, offering slow-releasing glimpses at dark, seductive berry preserves layers and vibrant earthy accents, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced."
St Emilion - Lucia
Wine Advocate 92-94: "This 3.07-hectare vineyard includes one hectare that was planted in 1901 on clay and limestone soils. Two other 49-year-old plots are situated on the same plain near Monbousquet, with clay and siliceous soil. Two-thirds of the grapes come from Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens and one-third from the Saint-Émilion plateau. Maturation is to take place in 50% new and 50% second year barrels for 12 to 18 months. With 14.5% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Lucia strides confidently out of the glass with bold notes of warm blackberries, black plum preserves and Black Forest cake with hints of wild sage, tilled soil and charcuterie. Full-bodied, opulent and wonderfully earthy in the mouth, it has a velvety texture and herbal lift to the finish."
St Emilion - Jean Faure
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The 2018 Jean Faure is deep garnet-purple in color and opens with tar, new leather and scorched earth notes giving way to baked black plums, blackberry pie and mocha scents. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, grippy texture and plenty of freshness lifting the savory flavors to a long finish."
St Emilion - Corbin
Wine Advocate 91-93: "This 13-hectare vineyard is situated northwest of the town of Saint-Émilion. The vines are an average of 30 years old and are planted to a mix of sand and clay-based soils. The wines are being aged for approximately 18 months in oak barrels, 50% new. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and it has 15% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Corbin opens with seductive notions of warm plums, Christmas cake and blueberry compote with fragrant earth, yeast extract and cedary undertones. Full, rich and spicy in mouth, it has a solid backbone of ripe, plush tannins and a long, earthy finish."
St Emilion - Larcis Ducasse
Wine Advocate 96-98: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larcis Ducasse features wonderfully expressive scents of baked black and red plums, kirsch, rose hip tea and cigar box with hints of pencil shavings, baked redcurrants and truffles plus a waft of licorice. Full-bodied and beautifully nuanced on the palate, it has layer upon layer of red and black fruit preserves with beautiful, velvety tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and perfumed."
St Emilion - Gracia
Wine Advocate 93-95: "Michel Gracia's tiny 1.83-hectare vineyard in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes is planted at a density of 5,500 vines per hectare in rich clay and limestone soils. Vines in 2018 had an average age of 47 years, and yields were 22 hectoliters per hectare. It is aging in 100% new oak for an estimated 16-18 months. The blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the Les Grandes Landes lieu-dit and with 14% alcohol, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Gracia comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and stewed plums with nuances of Indian spices, tilled soil and fruitcake plus a touch of chocolate box. Full, concentrated and decadently fruited, it delivers bold, mouth-coating flavors and a velvety texture, finishing on an earthy note."
St Emilion - Gaffeliere
Wine Advocate 94-96: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Gaffeliere reveals classically sophisticated scents of ripe black plums, warm blackberries and cigar box with touches of star anise, dried Provence herbs, chocolate mint and truffles. Full-bodied, it has a solid backbone of ripe, rounded tannins and lovely freshness lifting the densely layered fruit to a long finish."
St Emilion - Clos La Gaffeliere
St Emilion - Aromes de Pavie
Wine Advocate 92-94+:"The 2018 Arômes de Pavie is made up of 65% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested September 27 to October 8 with yields of 42 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has a 3.56 pH and 14.42% alcohol. Very deep purple-black in color, it is a little shy to begin, opening out to give scents of baked black and red cherries, mulberries and blackberry tart with suggestions of licorice, mocha, tilled soil, smoked meats and lilacs with a touch of oolong tea. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with ripe, rich black fruit, framed by firm, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and savory. This is a very serious second wine that bears more than a passing resemblance to Château Pavie."
St Emilion - Monbousquet
Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Monbousquet is composed of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested September 27 to October 9 with yields of 39 hectoliters per hectare. The wine has a pH of 3.78 and 14.38% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it sashays out of the glass with beautiful, flamboyant red roses, chocolate box and molten licorice scents over a core of crème de cassis, plum preserves and Morello cherries plus fragrant wafts of underbrush, lavender and cloves. Full-bodied, rich and wonderfully elegant, the palate delivers layers of black fruits and spices, wrapped in a cashmere shawl of tannins, finishing very long and incredibly perfumed."
St Emilion - Monbousquet Blanc
Wine Advocate: "The Monbousquet 2018 Blanc is blended of 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Sauvignon Gris, 5% Sémillon and 5% Muscadelle. Grapes were harvested August 28-29 with yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare, 13.75% alcohol and a 3.37 pH. It leaps from the glass with frisky notes of fresh pineapple, white peaches, grapefruit and lemon curd with hints of lime leaves and spearmint. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate with bags of vibrant, exotic fruits and zesty layers, led by a racy line of acid and finishing long and chalky."
St Emilion - Bellevue Mondotte
Wine Advocate 95-97: "Grapes for this wine come from the plateau and were harvested October 3, with yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare. Composed of 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with a 3.5 pH and 14.56% alcohol, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Bellevue Mondotte opens with alluring scents of Christmas cake, blueberry pie, chocolate-covered cherries and hoisin with nuances of Chinese five spice, iron ore, rose hip tea and cracked black pepper. Full-bodied, rich, opulent and totally decadent in the mouth, the palate has a plush texture and maintains that incredible freshness that defines these beautiful wines on the terrace—finishing with tons of spicy fireworks.
St Emilion - St Georges Cote Pavie
Wine Advocate 93-95: "This comes from the limestone slope between La Gaffelière and Pavie. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Côte Pavie comes skipping out of the glass with bright, cheery scents of warm raspberries, black cherries and ripe blackberries plus hints of red roses, menthol, dark chocolate and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling fresh, crunchy fruit with beautifully ripe, finely grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Impressive!"
St Emilion - Pavie Decesse
Wine Advocate 96-98: "Grapes for this wine come from the plateau and were harvested October 3 with yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare. Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with a pH of 3.57 and 14.52% alcohol, the 2018 Pavie Decesse is deep purple-black in color and strides confidently out of the glass with a very serious nose of crushed blackberries, warm black plums, mulberries and cassis plus touches of camphor, lavender, black olives and crushed rocks with a waft of woodsmoke. Full-bodied and laden with taut, muscular black fruit and loads of mineral accents, it has a firm structure of super ripe, finely grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and very layered."
St Estephe - Tour Des Termes
St Estephe - Bernard Magrez
James Suckling 92-93: "This is a very beautiful St.-Estèphe with spice, dark-berry and hazelnut character. Medium body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows focus and tension."
St Estephe - Capbern
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Capbern is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and comes in at 14.6% alcohol. It's anticipated to age for 16 months in barriques, 60% new. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with vibrant scents of black raspberries, kirsch and fresh blackcurrants with nuances of cedar chest, pencil lead and forest floor plus a waft of lavender. Full-bodied, rich and packed with juicy fruit, it has a firm line of grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift."
St Estephe - Le Boscq
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 le Boscq features expressive notes of baked blackcurrants, blackberry pie and stewed plums with wafts of Provence herbs, cigar box and black pepper. Full, concentrated and supported by firm, chewy tannins, it has soft acid and an herbal lift on the finish."
St Estephe - De Pez
Wine Advocate 91-93: "Composed of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 de Pez rocks up with bold notes of crushed black and red currants, warm plums and mulberries with hints of unsmoked cigars, bay leaves and black pepper plus a touch of black olives. Medium to full-bodied with an approachable, fine-grained frame, it has just enough freshness and a lively lift on the finish."
St Estephe - Ormes De Pez
Wine Advocate 90-92: "Composed of 50% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot and aging in 45% new barriques, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Ormes de Pez leaps from the glass with vibrant blackberries, black cherries and mulberries scents plus touches of garrigue, tree bark and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with bags of muscular fruit, it has a firm, grainy texture and great freshness, finishing on an herbal lift."
St Estephe - Haut Marbuzet
Wine Advocate 91-93: "The 2018 Haut-Marbuzet is deep garnet-purple colored, giving up spices, florals and chocolate with baked berries, plum preserves and cassis. The palate is full-bodied, firm, rich and spicy, finishing long."
St Estephe - Marquis de Calon Segur
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Le Marquis de Calon-Ségur is a blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon (14.9% alcohol). It is anticipated to age for 17 months in barriques, 30% new. Deep purple-black in color, it gives up opulent scents of Indian spices, menthol and plum preserves with a core of crème de cassis, baked cherries and raspberry pie plus a hint of sandalwood. Big, rich, full-bodied and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, it has bags of black fruit preserves and exotic spices with a firm, plush frame, finishing long with a minty lift. Definitely one for the hedonists!"
St Estephe - Cos Labory
Wine Advocate 92-94: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cos Labory is a little reduced to start, unfurling to display notions of baked blackcurrants, blackberry preserves and boysenberries with touches of sautéed herbs, smoked meats and tar. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained frame and background freshness supporting the elegant black fruit and savory layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note."
St Estephe - Meyney
Wine Advocate 89-91: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Meyney gives up blackcurrants, black berries and plums on the nose with earth and spices plus fried herbs and lots of oak. The big, full-bodied palate has some promising fruit but is a bit hard and oaky."
St Estephe - Segur de Cabanac
St Estephe - Lilian Ladouys
Wine Advocate 90-92: "In 2018, the Lorenzetti family purchased two neighbor estates, Château Clauzet and Château Tour de Pez, adding these to the Lilian Ladouys vineyard to almost double its planted area to 77 hectares. These additional vineyards are composed of gravelly soils of the same level as the best blocks of Lilian Ladouys. Soils are a typically Saint-Estèphe mix of sandy-gravel and clay with some limestone deposits. It is planted at 8,500-10,000 vines per hectare, with an average vine age of 35 years in 2018. The wine will see 12 months aging in 35% new and 65% two-year-old barriques. The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, and it has 14.41% alcohol. From the lieu-dit Blanquet and with a deep purple-black color, the 2018 Lilian Ladouys gives up wonderfully spicy black fruit preserves notions: plum preserves, crème de cassis and blueberry with hints of exotic spices, menthol and violets. Medium to full-bodied, firm and fine-grained in the mouth, it has layer upon layer of rich, spicy black fruits with a lift to the finish.'
St Estephe - Lafon Rochet
Wine Advocate 90-92: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lafon-Rochet is scented of cassis, blackberries, herbs and soil with tar and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm and grainy with herb sparks and an earthy finish."
St Julien - Lalande
James Suckling 92-93: "An appealing red with plum, chocolate and hazelnut flavors that are long and delicious already. Firm and polished tannins."
St Julien - Branaire Ducru
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Branaire-Ducru begins just a tad reduced with broody tar, rubber and fried herbs scents giving way to a fragrant core of warm cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry coulis with touches of smoked meats and tobacco. Full-bodied, firm and rugged in the mouth with brawny, muscular fruit and a sturdy frame of grainy tannins, it finishes long and savory."
St Julien - Langoa Barton
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Langoa Barton is slightly shy at this nascent stage, revealing wonderfully pure, warm red and black currant scents with nuances of blueberry preserves, chocolate mint, smoked meat and a waft of bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and sporting a lot of vibrant, juicy fruit in the mouth, it has firm, rounded tannins and a lively backbone lifting the fruit to a good, long finish."
St Julien - Du Glana
Wine Advocate 87-89: "The 2018 du Glana is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of black cherries, cassis, dusty soil and dried sage. The palate is full-bodied with a firm, chewy texture and a low level of acidity, finishing with an herbal lift."
St Julien - Pavillon du Glana
St Julien - Clos Du Marquis
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Clos du Marquis is composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, with 13% press wine added back to the blend. Grapes were harvested September 18 to October 10, with yields of 35.5 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine has 14.5% alcohol. It will be aged in barriques, 55% new. The finished blend was put into barrels last December. Deep purple-black in color, it displays flamboyant scents of kirsch, crushed black cherries and warm cassis with hints of cinnamon stick, underbrush and chocolate box plus a waft of sandalwood. Full-bodied and built like a brick house with firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the muscular fruit, it finishes long and spicy."
St Julien - Petite Marquis du Clos Du Marquis
St Julien - Beychevelle
Wine Advocate 94-96: "The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Beychevelle wafts sensuously from the glass with fragrant Black Forest cake, potpourri, star anise and black tea scents over a core of black raspberries, warm blackcurrants and kirsch with touches of fallen leaves and lavender. Full-bodied and packed with fragrant red and black fruit layers, it has a firm, velvety texture and fantastic freshness lifting the very long, perfumed finish. Beautiful! Anticipated time in barrel is 18 months, 60% new and 40% second fill. The tentative blend is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc."
St Julien - Moulin de La Rose
St Julien - Croix de Beaucaillou
Wine Advocate 91-93: "This is not a second wine as such, because it comes from a dedicated part of the vineyard, located on the south bank of La Mouline. The 2018 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, to be aged 12 months in 60% new barriques. It has a pH of 3.75, 15% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 96. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is a little closed and broody to begin, offering subtle notions of fertile loam, tobacco, truffles and cast iron pan with a core of crème de cassis, blackberry compote and boysenberries with hints of underbrush and bay leaves. Full, rich and seductive in the mouth, it has firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness to lift the dense fruit to a long finish."
St Julien - Lalande Borie
Wine Advocate 88-90: "The 2018 Lalande-Borie is composed of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, with a pH of 3.77 and 14.5% alcohol. It is to be aged 12 months in barriques, 30% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up gregarious notions of baked black cherries, warm blackberries and cassis with hints of pencil lead, camphor and underbrush plus a waft of Sichuan pepper. Full-bodied with bags of black fruit, it has a plush frame and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy."
St Julien - Gloria
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Gloria is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up expressive notions of warm red and black currants, black cherries and boysenberries with hints of spice cake, cedar chest, pencil lead and menthol. Full-bodied with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins, it has a lively line cutting through the dense, savory layers, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The blend is currently 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated aging is for 14 months in oak barriques, 40% new."
St Julien - St Pierre
Wine Advocate 89-91: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Pierre 1er gives expressive blackberries, black cherries and warm plums scents with touches of cloves, mocha and sautéed herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained texture and appealing freshness with a savory finish."
St Julien - Gloria
Wine Advocate 92-94: "The 2018 Gloria is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up expressive notions of warm red and black currants, black cherries and boysenberries with hints of spice cake, cedar chest, pencil lead and menthol. Full-bodied with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins, it has a lively line cutting through the dense, savory layers, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The blend is currently 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated aging is for 14 months in oak barriques, 40% new."
St Julien - Fiefs de Lagrange
Wine Advocate 90-92: "The 2018 Les Fiefs de Lagrange is deep garnet-purple colored with earthy, mushroomy notions and savory meats over a cassis and plums core plus herbs hints. The full-bodied palate is rich and packed with fruit, with firm, grainy tannins and a long finish."
St Julien - Lagrange
WineAdvocate 93-95: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lagrange opens a little closed and broody, slowly revealing cedar chest, tar, pencil shavings, camphor and fragrant earth scents with a baked plums and warm cassis core plus a hint of yeast extract. Full-bodied and jam-packed with black fruits and earthy accents, it has a solid frame of firm, chunky tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a persistent mineral note."
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