Community Tasting Note

Cailles wrote:

Sunday, September 3, 2023 - Bordeaux 2018 - 5 Years On - 7 Reds: Time to check in on some top 2018s, and the initial observations were all confirmed: A) This is obviously the ripest, sweetest Bordeaux vintage in the last decade. While only one wine (Cos d'Estournel, 88pts) was overripe and overdone, two others (Calon Segur - 94pts, Grand Puy Lacoste - 91pts) are not for purists and are quite sweet - at least this young. B) Despite the ripeness, the wines are generally very balanced and harmonious, not as extracted or thick as many 2009/2010s. C) The structural frames are of high quality with ultra-fine tannins and good acid backbones. However, with so many other great vintages produced in recent years, this is not the vintage to chase - especially for purists. The group winner was the highly elegant, seductive yet aristocratic Pichon Lalande (rated 95pts), just ahead of my WOTN, the floral, perfumed, airy Canon (96pts).

TN: Expressive, elegant bouquet with fine rhubarb and strawberry notes and floral aromas at the core. While the nose is good, it’s the palate that truly excites: Pure, sweet red berries en masse, rhubarb and loads of floral notes and then two more telltale highlights, the wonderful salty minerality and the almost unmatched airiness and satin-like texture. Canon just kills it in the past few years and while I’m a left bank guy, this is one of my favorite wines in all of Bordeaux. This 2018 is for sure a touch riper and sweeter than 15/16/19/20, but still so elegant and fine. 96+pts.

Decanting: Quickly double decanted two hours before consumption, no extensive decanting necessary.

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