Chateau Lafite- Rothschild (1st Growth) 2018 Vintage

Vineyard: In 2018 Chateau Lafite- Rothschild celebrated its 150th years of viticulture. In general it was a great vintage although some troubles kept the viticulturists on their toes to protect the vines and crops. Similar to other wineries around this region, cold Winter postponed bud break; hail threatened the vineyard in May and June; Water stress affected young vines in August, but was ideal for old vines; and the vintage finished with a trouble- free harvest. The great terroir in Chateau Lafite- Rothschild buffered the excesses of the vintage.

Chateau Lafite- Rothschild tasting: Opaque color, super concentrated ripe and dark fruits flavors show the strong intensity and power. The firm and convergent tannin made me frown, but ideally balanced with the high alcohol (around 14.5%) and the intense fruitiness. The prodigious depth of this vintage begs for aging to be soft and round. Great aging potential.

Blending: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8.5% Merlot, 0.5% Petit Verdot.

Carruades de Lafite tasting: Ripe red and black fruits, intense yet lively, firm and velvet tannin balanced well with the high alcohol and concentrated flavors. It is an energetic and vivid wine with good aging ability.

Blending: 56.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc.

Chateau Duhart- Milon (4th Growth) tasting: Dominated by dark fruits flavors, and supported by layered of lush Mocha, chocolate and toffee. High alcohol, velvet tannin, intense flavors, while fresh acidity form a balanced structure and full body, showing its seduction and greatness.

Blending: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot.

Chateau Mouton- Rothschild (1st Growth) 2018 Vintage

Vineyard: Constant care was taken to overcome the first half of the year- heavy rainfall, severe hailstorm and cold Spring. The 3 months’ continuous hot and dry weather ended mildew attacks, but brought drought problems, which limited the yields. The grapes were small but outstandingly rich in sugar and tannins.

Chateau Mouton- Rothschild tasting: Great intensity of dark and ripe fruits, deep color, mouth coating tannins, high alcohol (around 14.5%) build up the muscular structure. The refined spices flavors and hint of minty notes elevate the complexity and characters of the wine.

Blending: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc.

Le petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild tasting: Ripe red & black berry flavors and fresh acidity balance well with the grippy tannin, integrated oak flavors contribute to nuanced vanilla and black licorice noses. Vivid and mature.

Blending: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc.

Aile d’Argent tasting: Racy acid; ripe citrus fruits and melon nose, hint of exotic spices and ginger flavors; together with flinty minerality flavors found on the mouthwatering finish form a well- crafted wine.

Blending: 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon.

Chateau Pontet- Canet (5th Growth) 2018 Vintage

Vineyard: The Bio-dynamic practice means the vineyard needs more effort to deal with Downy mildew pressure occured in mid- July. But Chateau Pontet- Canet decided to keep consistency banning any chemical. Crop loss became severe for this vintage. Its viticulture is based on the natural balance of the vine (no edging, no deleafing, no green harvest, no Spring debuting…), for the sake of the natural vineyard, which allows to express all the emotion of the terroir of Pontet- Canet. The winery insists that the quality of wine counts above all for consumers.

Tasting: Elegant and classic, graceful yet powerful, attractive and impeccable. The fruits flavors are ripe yet racy, backed by delicate oak flavors of vanilla and slightly baked spices. Perfect structure of polished tannin, refreshing acidity, high alcohol and lingering finish. Great wine from a great vintage! History will undoubtedly remember Pontet Canet Vintage 2018.