France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
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.
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: Herbal notes mix with dark red and ted fruit on the nose. Still a bit closed. On the palate pure fresh strawberries, some hints of dark fruit, some crushed rocks. Not that complex at this stage but should add more depth with age. Fine structure and texture but not quite on the level as the Canon in the next glass. Overall very solid 93/94pts today, on par with a bottle a year ago but not on the 96/97pts level the wine had upon arrivage. But the potential is there to get back to these levels once mature.
Decanting: Quick double decant, consumed two hours later. Could have used a longer decant.
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: Tasted double blind. Expressive ripe fruit nose, very ripe. Same on the palate with lots of glycerin and ripe red fruit notes, strawberries, with some herbs and graphite to complement. Overall a bit too sweet. With all that sugar, sweetness and red fruit I guessed this to be a right bank Merlot – without knowing the theme of the evening I would have guessed this to be a Napa Cab. Fine structure and good freshness. This is a crowd pleaser but has a bit of a hole mid palate and overall not the depth to get to a higher rating. I guess this might shed some of its sweetness and baby fat with another decade in the cellar which might help. 91pts today.
Decanting: Not decanted, no extensive decanting necessary.
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: Tasted double blind. This is quite a singular wine, exotic, sweet and sexy. On the nose and palate there is an immense aromatic intensity with loads of cranberries, strawberries, red cherries, red currant at the core. Some graphite and a bit of herbs complement the picture. The structure is impeccable with satiny tannins, silky mouthfeel, good acidity and without any excess weight. I appreciate the singularity, I like the red fruity character, the purity/precision is outstanding but this is not a wine for everybody and today is a bit too sweet for me. More age should help here. 93/94pts.
Decanting: Not decanted, no extensive decanting necessary.
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: Holy shit, that’s troubling! Two bottles of Cos tasted double blind, both bought En Primeur from different sources, both stored in different cellars under ideal conditions and both bottles showed worrisome signs of decline with soy sauce notes and some hints of oxidation that reminded me of many over-extracted, overripe (and today dead) wines of the first decade of this century. Both bottles opened with very ripe, slightly overripe red berries, earthy notes and crushed rocks… and then all the Cos spiciness. With time oxidation and soy sauce notes become more and more noticeable. The structure is impeccable, but the wine seems to be already on a downward path. In the best moments this was drinking quite well and on a 92-ish level but in hindsight, all these concerning notes of decay and the overripeness make the 88pts rather seem generous.
Decanting: The first bottle decanted for two hours, the second not decanted. Consistent results.
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: Medium expressive nose with intriguing coffee notes, dark and red berries, some herbs. Wow, an amazing Pauillac with that Mouton burnt sugar notes to die for. Seamless on the palate with so much coffee, herbs, fresh strawberries, some dark red berries, herbs, graphite. This reminded me very much of a young-ish magnum of the legendary 1982 we had some years ago. The structure is quite perfect: the wine is so round and smooth with a wall of fine tannins, no excess weight, superb freshness. This is a fantastic, hedonistic yet elegant and sophisticated Cabernet which proves again that PLL is among the very best wines today in Bordeaux.
Decanting: Quickly double decanted three hours before consumption, no extensive decanting necessary.
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: In terms of substance, complexity, no other wine today got close to this Lafite. While still being a closed, this showed so much promise and gave us a peak into the future and all it has in store: lots red berries, even more very fresh blue fruit, herbs, menthol notes, coffee, minerality. In typical Lafite fashion, this quite elegant with a fine structure and good freshness and a superb purity, but this is decades away from being ready. Promising but on a 93/94pts today.
Decanting: Decanted for 90 minutes, back in the bottle, consumed two hours later. This was still a bit muted and could have used a longer decant.
2018 Château Canon 96 Points
France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru
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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2018 Château Rauzan-Ségla 93 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux
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: Herbal notes mix with dark red and ted fruit on the nose. Still a bit closed. On the palate pure fresh strawberries, some hints of dark fruit, some crushed rocks. Not that complex at this stage but should add more depth with age. Fine structure and texture but not quite on the level as the Canon in the next glass. Overall very solid 93/94pts today, on par with a bottle a year ago but not on the 96/97pts level the wine had upon arrivage. But the potential is there to get back to these levels once mature.
Decanting: Quick double decant, consumed two hours later. Could have used a longer decant.
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2018 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 91 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
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: Tasted double blind. Expressive ripe fruit nose, very ripe. Same on the palate with lots of glycerin and ripe red fruit notes, strawberries, with some herbs and graphite to complement. Overall a bit too sweet. With all that sugar, sweetness and red fruit I guessed this to be a right bank Merlot – without knowing the theme of the evening I would have guessed this to be a Napa Cab. Fine structure and good freshness. This is a crowd pleaser but has a bit of a hole mid palate and overall not the depth to get to a higher rating. I guess this might shed some of its sweetness and baby fat with another decade in the cellar which might help. 91pts today.
Decanting: Not decanted, no extensive decanting necessary.
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2018 Château Calon-Ségur 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
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: Tasted double blind. This is quite a singular wine, exotic, sweet and sexy. On the nose and palate there is an immense aromatic intensity with loads of cranberries, strawberries, red cherries, red currant at the core. Some graphite and a bit of herbs complement the picture. The structure is impeccable with satiny tannins, silky mouthfeel, good acidity and without any excess weight. I appreciate the singularity, I like the red fruity character, the purity/precision is outstanding but this is not a wine for everybody and today is a bit too sweet for me. More age should help here. 93/94pts.
Decanting: Not decanted, no extensive decanting necessary.
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2018 Château Cos d'Estournel 88 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe
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: Holy shit, that’s troubling! Two bottles of Cos tasted double blind, both bought En Primeur from different sources, both stored in different cellars under ideal conditions and both bottles showed worrisome signs of decline with soy sauce notes and some hints of oxidation that reminded me of many over-extracted, overripe (and today dead) wines of the first decade of this century. Both bottles opened with very ripe, slightly overripe red berries, earthy notes and crushed rocks… and then all the Cos spiciness. With time oxidation and soy sauce notes become more and more noticeable. The structure is impeccable, but the wine seems to be already on a downward path. In the best moments this was drinking quite well and on a 92-ish level but in hindsight, all these concerning notes of decay and the overripeness make the 88pts rather seem generous.
Decanting: The first bottle decanted for two hours, the second not decanted. Consistent results.
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2018 Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 95 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
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: Medium expressive nose with intriguing coffee notes, dark and red berries, some herbs. Wow, an amazing Pauillac with that Mouton burnt sugar notes to die for. Seamless on the palate with so much coffee, herbs, fresh strawberries, some dark red berries, herbs, graphite. This reminded me very much of a young-ish magnum of the legendary 1982 we had some years ago. The structure is quite perfect: the wine is so round and smooth with a wall of fine tannins, no excess weight, superb freshness. This is a fantastic, hedonistic yet elegant and sophisticated Cabernet which proves again that PLL is among the very best wines today in Bordeaux.
Decanting: Quickly double decanted three hours before consumption, no extensive decanting necessary.
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2018 Château Lafite Rothschild 94 Points
France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac
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: In terms of substance, complexity, no other wine today got close to this Lafite. While still being a closed, this showed so much promise and gave us a peak into the future and all it has in store: lots red berries, even more very fresh blue fruit, herbs, menthol notes, coffee, minerality. In typical Lafite fashion, this quite elegant with a fine structure and good freshness and a superb purity, but this is decades away from being ready. Promising but on a 93/94pts today.
Decanting: Decanted for 90 minutes, back in the bottle, consumed two hours later. This was still a bit muted and could have used a longer decant.
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