2018 Bourgneuf

Composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Bourgneuf has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and fragrant notes of lavender, kirsch, black truffles and cinnamon toast over a core of blackberry pie and Black Forest cake with a waft of woodsmoke. The intense, medium to full-bodied palate packs in the black fruit layers, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and savory.

The 2018 Bourgneuf retains the charming bouquet that I observed in barrel, offering well-defined blackberry and crushed strawberry fruit, forest floor scents percolating up with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, lithe and supple in the mouth. A touch of white pepper emerges toward the elegant finish. This is a delightful Pomerol, not long-term, but you will definitely finish a bottle.

Coming from the team of Christian Moueix and a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château Bourgneuf is a seamless, elegant Pomerol that still brings plenty of muscle, offering loads of ripe black cherry and cassis fruits as well as spicy oak, medium to full-bodied richness, lots of tobacco, truffle, and chocolaty nuances, silky tannins, and a great finish. This is another Pomerol that delivers the goods in 2018. Drink this beauty any time over the coming 15-20 years.