Another successful Fronsac which is smooth and creamy through the mid palate with good fruits and rich roasted coffee bean notes alongside toasted oak, coffee and chocolate. It`s definitely not taking its foot off the pedal in terms of extraction, but it is sexy and approachable and ready for pleasure, as the high alcohol helps wrap up the tannins. Drinking Window 2022 - 2024. 92 points

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. 92-94+ points