2018 Clos Cantenac

100% Merlot. One day cold soak. Fermentation lasted six days followed by 10 days' post-ferment maceration, malolactic in barrel. 12 months in oak, 50% new. This review replaces an earlier one that was based on an imperfect sample and therefore not scored. Virtually black at the core, purple at the rim. Dark fruited with an attractive and more savoury aspect that is spiced and makes me think of black rocks. Opens up to more perfume as well as oak spice. On the palate, lots of powerful but not overly sweet dark fruit, dense layers of tannin yet smooth. It's a big wine and harmonious nevertheless and nicely chewy on the finish. The alcohol feels slightly warm but there's just enough freshness to balance, as much from that savoury character as from the acidity. Good length. (JH)

Fresh and easy with attractive blueberry and orange-peel character. Medium body and light tannins.

The 2018 Clos Cantenac is made from 100% Merlot, harvested September 18-21, September 25, October 3 and October 11. It has 14% alcohol and is aging in barriques, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with very pretty notions of kirsch, raspberry pie, blueberry preserves and red roses plus hints of cinnamon stick, menthol, chocolate box and star anise. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with lively red berries and floral sparks with a serious blue fruit undercurrent and velvety texture, finishing on a lingering spicy note. About 6,000 bottles are expected to be made.