2018 La Vieille Cure (Fronsac)

This is intense with tons of tar and cloves against the well-defined cassis fruits and lovely vibrant violet edging. The silky texture and legs indicate generous alcohol, but this is balanced, if on the larger side. It takes its time in the glass, at first a little overpowering, but it settles into itself and has been well handled offering good ageing potential. There were new owners as of harvest 2018, as French entrepreneur Jérôme Pignard took over from American co-owners; the Gant, Ferenbach and Sachs families. 94 points

Inky core and purple rim. Ripe and rocky/stony at the same time. On the palate, very ripe, more like jammy damsons, though the firm and smooth texture helps to balance all that ripeness. A little bit charry. The ripeness undermining the freshness. 15.5 points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Vieille Cure reveals a wonderfully savory nose of chargrilled meats, dried herbs and Marmite toast with a core of baked plums, blackberry preserves and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with vibrant black and blue fruits plus loads of savory sparks and a plush texture, finishing with a refreshing lift. 92-94 points

The blend is 87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a dark and fresh nose rich in primary Merlot fruit, showing black plums with a leafy freshness. The palate is dense, creamed and textured, brimming with black fruits, blackcurrant and black olive, along with a twist of bay leaf, chalk and cinnamon spices. This is a stunning effort from this estate, with a superb bed of ripe and gripped but with wonderfully soft tannins, with great substance and structure. Well done. 93-95 points