2018 Couvent des Jacobins

The 2018 Couvent des Jacobins is a blend of 82% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with earthy notions of wild mushrooms, black truffles and dusty soil over a core of stewed plums, baked blackberries and boysenberry preserves, plus a touch of powdered cinnamon. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive freshness cutting through the intense black fruit preserves layers, with a plush texture, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

The 2018 Couvent des Jacobins has developed nicely on the nose since I tasted it from barrel, featuring vivacious black cherries, bilberry and wild hedgerow aromas, the oak nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity. One of the more steely and tensile Saint-Émilion crus, displaying plenty of freshness and light briny notes on the aftertaste. Enjoy this over the next decade.