2018 Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac

Moderate cherry and black raspberry fruits as well as spice and leafy herbs notes emerge from the 2018 Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac, which is medium-bodied, lightly textured, and balanced. It doesn't push or take any risks, but it's an enjoyable, straightforward effort to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.

I am not sure what happened to the 2018 Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac. From barrel it was compelling, but the bottled wine lacks depth, persistence and character. The wine just feels totally stripped of fruit and devoid of character.

Owned by Dourthe. 65% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc. Pre-fermentation cold maceration 4 to 5 days at 7 °C. Alcoholic fermentation 5 to 6 days. Vatting 28 days. Aged in oak, of which 35% new. pH 3.82. Deep cherry red. Intense aroma of blackberry and cassis with the fresher fruit aroma of Cabernet Franc though not as typically herbaceous in this vintage. Some oak spice, too, and a little bit earthy. On the palate, thick, furry tannins and seems a bit heavy-handed, showing the influence of the vintage in the weight in the mouth even though the alcohol is lower than in some of the Dourthe 2018s. Just fresh enough for balance. Chewy on the finish but those tannins should continue to melt with a bit longer in bottle. (JH)