Château Les Grandes Murailles 2018

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Grandes Murailles is still sporting a fair bit of oak, soon opening out to reveal notions of baked black plums, kirsch and mulberries, plus touches of red roses and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with black and red berry flavors with a firm frame coming from the oak tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with lovely purity. Give this a good 3-4 years in bottle to allow the oak to soften, and then enjoy it over the next 15+ years.

Pure and ripe, with a delightful set of cassis, plum and anise notes that stretch out in unison while a subtle graphite note adds spine on the finish. Very stylish. Best from 2022 through 2030. 500 cases made.

Owned by Mathieu Cuvelier of Clos Fourtet and located right next door, this has plenty in common with its neighbour. Tons of plum, cherry and raspberry fruits, richly textured, silky and smooth, and just plump enough without being too much. This is one to take note of and is going to be gorgeous in a few years’ time. Tasted twice.

Aromas of ripe berries and plums with walnuts and chalk follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with chewy, lightly chalky tannins that have a salty, mineral undertone. Give it time to soften and open. Try after 2024.

Tasted blind. Mid crimson. Light nose. A little bit tart. Ungenerous. (JR)

The 2018 Les Grandes Murailles was too reduced for me to assess out of barrel, but I am pleased to say it is blossoming now that it is in bottle. It has a gorgeous black cherry, blueberry, violet and peony nose that is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy and generous. A counterbalancing salinity keeps the finish focused and fresh. This is an excellent Les Grandes Murailles that should age with style. Superb.

Medium-bodied, silky, fresh, soft and vibrant, the fruits come along with crushed rock and stone, touches of flowers, licorice, cocoa, and espresso. Supple textured with length and complexity, this is already great to taste now and will only get better with a few years of age. Made from 100% old-vine Merlot, the wine is being aged in a combination of 65% new French oak, 20% in amphora, and 20% in used oak barrels.

Deep dark ruby with purple reflections and a discreet bright rim. Attractive black berry confit on the nose, as well as light liquorice, cassis and floral nuances. Juicy and elegant on the palate, the flavours are of fresh cherries, fine fruit character and the rich structure lasts well. This will assuredly develop and age well.

Coming from a great (although tiny) terroir on the upper plateau just next to Clos Fourtet, the 2018 Château Grandes Murailles checks in as 100% Merlot that was brought up in 60% new barrels with the balance in once-used oak and amphora. It's the finest wine I've tasted from this Château and its dense purple color is followed by a monster bouquet of blueberries, black raspberries, spring flowers, cured meats, candied orange, and spring flowers. With full-bodied richness, a voluptuous, layered textured, gorgeous tannins, and the purity and elegance that's the hallmark of the vintage, it's a hidden gem as well as an incredible wine that readers should snatch up. Hats off to the Cuvelier family for a thrilling wine.

Deep purple with a delicate ruby rim. Captivating bouquet with blueberry contours, followed by licorice, perfumed pipe tobacco and sandalwood. On the sublime palate, butter‑soft texture, impressive extract concentration and a supportive tannic framework, distinguished by a perfect harmony of power and finesse. In the aromatic finish, a full basket of freshly picked blueberries, elderberry juice and a delicate hint of coconut. Delivered a top‑notch performance.

Velvety, fruity, finely opulent bouquet, strawberry jelly, mint, chocolate, fresh herbs, nougat. Velvety, finely lush palate with sweet fruit, fine tannins, a plush structure, fresh aromatics, and a powerful finish. 17/20 2024 - 2040

Les Grandes Murailles 2018 is deep garnet-purple in color. It opens with notes of cedar and mocha, over a core of plum preserves and baked black cherries, with wafts of tobacco and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has nice brightness and freshness, even if it is a little hollow and short.

A depth and balance with remarkable freshness, never before achieved by this domaine.

The cramped cellar where this mini-vineyard is vinified offers little real latitude for working the wines. Yet the almost creamy texture of the 2018 shows a punctum of grape maturity, but it needs a touch more for the wine’s foundation to rest on greater elegance. The tannins, however, have that austerity tinged with minerality that we like to find in wines from the plateau.

The nose is fruity, with subtle intensity and a touch of concentration. This wine needs decanting. It reveals notes of juicy/ripe small black berries, blackberry, and, more subtly, camphor, together with delicate hints of strawberry and violet, as well as fine touches of toasted notes, nutmeg, iris, discreet hints of caramelization and cocoa. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, indulgence, a fine tangy thread, good definition of the fruit and tension. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/tangy blackcurrant, tangy boysenberry and, more lightly, crisp raspberry, combined with hints of crisp/juicy small black berries, as well as nuances of hazelnut and nutmeg, fine touches of caramelization, a very discreet hint of tonka bean and an imperceptible touch of sweet blond tobacco in the background. Very fine touches of toasted almond and chocolate, and a very discreet hint of salinity on the persistence/finish. The tannins are well handled.

Logo on the cork: inverted T (Trescases) Dark, intense, youthful color. Very aromatic nose, fruity, fresh and spicy. Delicate on the attack, supple mid-palate yet taut, the wine develops into a juicy, creamy and very flavorful finish. It is still slightly marked by the oak, but it’s very good.

Named after the remains of a church that stands on the edge of Saint-Emilion, this wine is rich and dense. It is also stylish, as you would expect from a wine produced by neighboring Clos Fourtet. Black-currant flavors along with powerful tannins and acidity will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2027.