Elegant, complex, substantial.
A cooler season than the outstanding 2017 vintage, 2018 was more troublesome with forest fire smoke arriving in August and blocking important light. However the fall was sunny and rain minimal, which resulted in beautifully ripened fruit.
For the 2018 vintage, a blend of 54% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Malbec and 8% Petit Verdot, all blocks were harvested, fermented and barrel aged (18 mos in 30% new French oak) separately, then blended unfiltered before bottling. Plummy aromas are layered with wild berries, purple flowers, chocolate, brown spices, mint, vanilla and tobacco. Woven and seamless on the palate it is a serious wine without being ponderous; substantial but balanced it trails chalky cocoa tannins. Following in the impressive footsteps of 2017, this 2018 is still outstanding.
Open now and decant, or hold for the next decade.
©copyright 2020 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Scores Reviewed - June 15th, 2020