This is at the bigger end of the vintage, but it`s appealingly perky and full of pleasure. Sweet damson fruit is joined by touches of vanilla bean; nothing too over the top but enough to give a swirl of gourmet patisserie seduction. The tannins build up fairly swiftly through the palate. Drink 2026 - 2040. 91 points

Barrel sample. Black at the core. Dark and charry on the nose. Very, very oaky on the palate, flattening the fruit a little. Thick and chewy on the finish and not quite fresh enough for harmony. Drink 2024-2028. 15.5 points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Fombrauge gives up expressive scents of Black Forest cake, blackberry compote and Morello cherries with touches of plum preserves, spice box and potpourri. Full-bodied with a firm, velvety texture and plenty of freshness, all that rich, black fruit delivers a long, spice-sparked finish. 92-94 points

The 2018 Fombrauge is a knockout. Ripe, explosive and full of character, the 2018 is the sort of bottle that is opened and enjoyed in short order. Dark red cherry, plum, spice, new leather and espresso are kicked up a few notches in a sumptuous, racy Saint-Émilion that hits all the right notes. Floral and spice overtones add perfume to this super-expressive, inviting Saint-Émilion from Bernard Magrez. The 2018 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted four times. 91-94 points

In the 2018 vintage this is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, picked between September 21st and October 3rd. The vinification included a cold soak over several days. It has a fragrant and dusty character to the nose, with rose petal and peony perfume, rich black olive fruits and a touch of chalk dust. A beautifully textured palate, filled with black violet creams, crushed black plum, black olive and black bean, with a salty edge. It is supported a fresh and vivacious energy, as well as a broad tannic grip. This feels very cool and correct despite the evident texture and wealth of structure. It has a great deal of extracted tannin but it seems to sit well within the substance of the wine, and it is certainly ripe. A great showing from Fombrauge in this vintage, quite possibly the best ever. The 2018 vintage suits these more modern styles. The élevage will be in 40% new oak and 60% second-fill oak, for 16 months. I will resist the temptation to deduct points for an excessively heavy bottle. 93-95 points