The 2018 vintage was poured alongside the 2015, an interesting contrast of two solar vintages. There is a touch more Merlot in the blend here, at 75% of the total, the remaining 25% all Cabernet Franc. It ramps up the...

The 2018 Belair-Monange has a deep garnet purple color. It is very closed, slightly reduced, requiring a lot of swirling to reveal notes of black raspberries, warm plums, and kirsch, plus hints of pencil lead, wild sage...

Even at this still primary age, it is impossible not to be seduced by this opulently-styled gem. There is a richness, flamboyance, and showy attitude here that stands out. Concentrated, long, lush, and powerful, this is...

The 2018 Canon La Gaffeliere has a deep garnet purple color. It needs a little coaxing to reveal notes of kirsch, black raspberries, and cedar, with hints of pencil lead and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is...

There is a richness here, opulent enough to nod towards the warmth of the vintage, with crushed strawberry fruit and black cherries, mouth filling with satiny tannins, powerful and concentrated without being overpowering...

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Le Gay has a beautifully perfumed nose of lavender essence, chocolate-covered cherries and preserved plums, leading to a fragrant undercurrent of kirsch, licorice and fertile loam...

Chateau Margaux 2018 is deep garnet-purple in color. It wafts gently out of the glass with notes of Morello cherries, black raspberries, and cassis, plus suggestions of cedar, black olives, and charcoal, with a touch of...

This second wine of Château Margaux, grand in its own right, is powerfully dense. It displays its own style and balance between rich black fruits and the acidity that shines through the structure. The wine will age well...

While the 2018 vintage got plenty of buzz, following the less heralded 2017, I remain less enthusiastic when compared to the stellar 2016. The 2018 has a more roasted fruit profile, albeit with impressive (and seductive)...

The 2018 Haut-Batailley has a delightful bouquet with blackberry, wild strawberry, cedar and light tobacco scents, easily handling the precocity of the growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a...

Rich blackberry and fig fruits, well structured dominant tannins that remain fairly tight at this point, exuberant turmeric, black pepper and dried herbs, with a flash of heat on the finish. Atypical in the lineup...

The 2018 Lafite Rothschild is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a little swirling to unlock notes of baked plums, boysenberry preserves, and crème de cassis, with touches of menthol, Indian spices and smoked meats...

2018 was especially excellent for the red wine from this estate. It’s seductive, velvety, generous and round, and it’s bursting with scents of berries, herbs and peonies. It’s also balanced, despite the high alcohol.

The Bonnies' work in the vineyard and the vines' maturity is paying off in more complexity, precision and silkier tannins, with elevated, layered aromas and flavours. The bouquet is herbs and lavender, the juicy, open and...

The vintage character comes through in the evident rosemary and black pepper spice. There are impressive layers of coffee bean, raspberry and black cherry fruits, and a swirl of smoked cedar, brioche and patisserie cream...

The deep, meaty and earthy nose pulls you into this concentrated and beautifully balanced St.-Emilion. Stunning interplay of fine and graceful tannins with restrained richness. Very long, fresh and light-footed finish...