2018 Alcee

Composed of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Alcee charges out of the gate with bold notions of stewed black cherries, blackberry preserves and fruitcake, plus hints of cinnamon toast, licorice and tobacco leaf with a waft of camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe black fruit flavors with a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.

The 2018 Alcée, the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Nicolas Thienpont, has a rather thick, dense bouquet of opulent blackberry and cassis fruit. It is certainly the most sumptuous of Thienpont’s wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins that frame layers of tar- and tobacco-infused black fruit. Dichotomous to the nose, the finish comes across as structured and a little more austere in style. I appreciate the focus and spiciness of this Alcée, which deserves 2–3 years in bottle. Very fine, if a bit like a jigsaw puzzle: you have to put it together in your mind!