Bordeaux 2018 En Primeur wines: which wines to choose?
The 2018 vintage of Bordeaux: a great wine for aging.
The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux is destined to be a great vintage for agingIt possesses all the characteristics of the very greatest vintages with a pretty fruit, ripe tannins And an incredible balanceThe 2018 vintage reveals a perfect harmony between tannins, alcohol level, and refreshing acidity. We'll leave it to the critics to decide whether it deserves to be called a historic or legendary vintage. The long, hot summers of recent years have enhanced the quality of Bordeaux wines. Indeed, the overall quality of the 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 vintages is simply fabulous.
In this article, I want to focus your attention on what you should cellar for optimal enjoyment. We'll discuss the investment aspect in another article. When we publish the 2018 Bordeaux wine prices, don't forget to check out our 5-star "pleasure" rating. This rating isn't based on price but on the degree of success we attribute to each wine. For tasting purposes, it's your best guide. Now, let's analyze what we've observed, appellation by appellation.
Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Castillon-Côte de Bordeaux and Lalande de Pomerol
Let's be clear, we loved the wines from these four appellations. Special mention goes to the wines produced on the limestone plateaus of Saint-Emilion and Castillon as well as on the dense clays of PomerolHumidity management, in this seemingly endless summer, was a key factor. The significant temperature fluctuations at harvest time allowed for optimal growing conditions. The predominantly Merlot grapes revealed beautiful aromatics and unexpected tension. The Cabernet Franc and any Cabernet Sauvignon were able to ripen and develop at their own pace. According to Thierry Goddet, "The quality of the wines produced in the 2018 vintage is quite often superior to that of 2015 and 2016".
The great châteaux all produced superb vintages in 2018, sometimes with impressive yields. We invite you to take a closer look at some of our favorites: the châteaux Berliquet, Quinault L'Enclos, MazeyresAmpelia, Aiguilhe Or FonroqueYou won't be disappointed!
Pessac-Léognan
We now take you to the left bank to Pessac-Leognan, on the mythical gravelly terroir. Several white wines impressed us. by their already complex bouquet, their delicacy, their balance, and their beautiful texture. Let us mention in particular Smith Haut-Lafitte which continues to progress in finesse and precision under the guidance of Fabien Teitgen.
The red wines struck us as being of very high quality overall. Yields in this appellation vary depending on the severity of mildew attacks. The red wines are showing balanced with present and very well-integrated tanninsFurthermore, we particularly appreciate the fresh character that accompanies these wines, which have a beautiful texture.
Margaux
We enjoyed the Margaux 2018, with a very high and fairly consistent level of quality. Rauzan-Ségla will have made their best wine ever produced. The wines of the appellation Margaux were captivated by their beautiful balance. While we generally preferred the 2015 vintage, this appellation, with its moderate yields, is of very high quality. Special mention goes to the Châteaux Lichine Priory, of the Hill And Labégorce which blew us away.
Saint-Julien
HAS Saint-JulienThe 2018 wines are pleasant and the hierarchy seems to be fully respected. The very greatest châteaux produced very great winesin both quantity and quality. On a positive note, we would say that this appellation has produced wines with the most moderate alcohol content. Special mention goes to the Châteaux Beychevelle And Gruaud Larose for their wines, remarkable for their quality, finesse and precision.
Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe
We really enjoyed the wines from Pauillac And Saint-EstèpheWe believe that The 2018 vintage is every bit as good as the exceptional 2016 vintage.Indeed, the power of the tannins is remarkably balanced by a lovely freshness and a high, but often perfectly integrated, alcohol level. Among the châteaux in these appellations that charmed us, we should mention Calon-Ségur, Countess Pichon and the Countess's Reserve, Pédesclaux And Lilian Ladouys.