2018 La Gravette de Certan

The second wine of this beautiful estate certainly doesn't taste like a second wine, and the 2018 La Gravette De Certan put a smile on my face. Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 50% new barrels, it has the same supple, seamless, sexy style of the Grand Vin, only with the volume turned down slightly. Redcurrants, truffle, tobacco, hints of chocolate, and damp earth all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful core of sweet fruit, silky tannins, and a great finish. It can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more.

The 2018 La Gravette de Certan, the second wine of Vieux Château Certan, comprises Merlot blended with younger Cabernet Sauvignon vines, raised in 50% new oak. It has a more complex, nuanced bouquet than I encountered out of barrel; the brambly red fruit is still present, but now intermixed with light truffle, clove and espresso scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and light cracked black pepper notes mingling with the black fruit. Then it tightens up toward the finish, which feels fresh and delineated. This is an excellent La Gravette that should give up to 12 years of drinking pleasure.