2018 Villemaurine

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged for around 14 months in oak barriques, 75% new, the 2018 Villemaurine sports a deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of chocolate-covered cherries, ripe blackberries and boysenberries with suggestions of redcurrant jelly, clove oil and lavender, plus a waft of star anise. Weighing in at 15% declared alcohol, the full-bodied palate is nicely balanced with a plush texture and refreshing backbone cutting through the generous black fruits, finishing long and perfumed.

The 2018 Villemaurine is generous and intense on the nose, featuring blackberry, raspberry, tobacco and light violet aromas, and less reserved compared to when I tasted it from barrel. The fleshy palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity and impressive mineralité and poise toward the finish. One of the more elegant Saint-Émilion wines that you will find. Excellent.

A wine that seems to fly under the radar, Château Villemaurine nevertheless produces an impressive, classic Saint-Emilion from their estate on the upper plateau. The 2018 Château Villemaurine checks in as 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 75% new French oak. It has a spicy, exotic, already complex bouquet of red and black fruits, sandalwood, dried flowers, and touch of incense. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, elegant Saint-Emilion with a terrific floral character, ripe yet present tannins, solid overall balance, and a great finish. It's as good, if not better than both the 2015 and 2016.