Wine Advocate
byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019
The 2018 Haut-Brisson comes from Vignonet and Monbousquet in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, from the lieu-dit Laroque. It is blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. It is aging in 35% new, 35% one-year-old and 30% two-year-old barrels for an anticipated 18 months. It has a deep garnet-purple color and comes charging out of the glass with baked black cherries, warm blueberries and preserved plums with touches of pencil shavings, kirsch and chargrilled meat plus a waft of Indian spices. Full-bodied, the generously fruited palate has a lovely plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing with a menthol lift.