Château de Chantegrive 2018

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Chantegrive charges out of the gate with notes of fresh black and red currants, ripe plums and mulberries, plus hints of menthol, pencil lead and tobacco leaf. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of bright, crunchy black and red berry flavors, supported by plush tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with an invigorating lift.

Bright and fresh, with damson plum and red currant coulis notes laced with sanguine and herb hints. Not big, but the finish is sneakily long. Drink now through 2026. 12,500 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.

Lacquer and walnut, clove spice and bright black cherry. Silky texture, fine tannins and fresh acidity with layers of fruit and spice. Very concentrated with a delicate finish.

Aromas of ripe blackcurrants, spiced cherries, licorice, orange zest and dried leaves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Fresh, medium finish. 50% merlot and 50% cabernet sauvignon. Drink from 2022.

The 2018 Chantegrive has a ripe red cherry and crushed strawberry nose, less outgoing than out of barrel but perhaps just missing a bit of amplitude. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, well-judged acidity and a slight bitterness toward the finish. It lacks a bit of length, although there is decent freshness. It should drink well for 8–10 years.

Forward, medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, sweet, soft and smoky-styled wine. The fruit has a really nice touch this year, with good ripeness, vibrancy, and a hint of smoke on the red-berry finish.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Delicate notes of nougat and ripe plums, a hint of wild dark berries, some herbs. Medium body, ripe cherries, present tannins, mineral finish, delicately leafy finish.

Medium deep colour with a youthful purple hue. Discreet oak notes, butterscotch, wild berries and crème de cassis with a hint of tobacco. Youthful palate, still with a tannic grip, some herbal flavours, crushed berry fruit and a rather long finish.

A very fruit-driven nose—ripe, rich and clean—leading to a round, satiny, silky palate with a long, fresh finish.

On the nose, heady aromas of blood orange and peach, followed by a few meaty touches that reappear on the palate alongside rich notes of ripe fruit, and that caressing warmth so characteristic of the vintage.

A bouquet clearly marked by smoky notes, a characteristic often found in wines from Graves. I also detect red berry notes and licorice wood. Slightly creamy on the attack. The wine is appetizing, balanced, and endowed with silky tannins that provide solid support alongside the acidity. Juicy, fruity finish. A fine success.

Deeply colored wine with ripe fruit, soft on the palate at first and a bit more astringent on the finish. Medium length.

This wine is young but has great potential. The tannins shine, balanced with powerful black fruits and a solid, dense texture. The wine will age well and will be at its best from 2023.