Wine Spectator 93 / 100 byJames Molesworththe2/1/2021 This has fresh savory and bay streaks running through the middle of its core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors, while applewood and iron notes streak the finish. Distinctive wine, with grippy character. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2024 through 2036. 6,000 cases made. –JM
Wine Spectator 93 / 100 byJames Molesworththe1/26/2021 This has fresh savory and bay streaks running through the middle of its core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors, while applewood and iron notes streak the finish. Distinctive wine, with grippy character. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2024 through 2036. 6,000 cases made. — JM
Yvesbeck.wine 90 / 100 byYves Beckthe1/26/2021 Belle intensité fruitée et florale dans ce bouquet. Notes de pivoines et de réglisse. Attaque friande et légèrement crémeuse. Le vin est invitant, équilibré et racé. Bel équilibre entre la puissance tannique et la vivacité de la structure acide. Finale fruitée.
Jamessuckling.com 93 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe1/26/2021 Savory aromas of black olive, dried mushroom, iodine and earth, as well as wild blackberry and clove. It’s medium-bodied with firm, sleek tannins and fresh acidity. Bitter berry notes on the finish. Hint of jam, but turns firm. Better in 2023.
Vinous 85-87 / 100 byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019 The 2018 Clos Marsalette was picked from 19 September until 5 October at 42hL/ha, matured in 45% new oak. This packs a punch on the nose with high-toned mulberry and kirsch aromas, a little "trop" for my liking. The palate is sweet and rounded, a little low in acidity with a rounded, spicy finish that feels driven by the growing season. I need to be convinced by this wine once in bottle.
Vinifera 92 / byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019 Crême de fruits noirs au nez, maturité extravagante, goût figué, très solaire, il sera sans doute prêt tôt mais pour quel vieillissement ?
The Wine Cellar Insider 92-94 / 100 byJeff Levethe4/23/2019 Smoky dark red, pit fruits, cedar and wet earth open the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium/full bodied, round, juicy and fruity with a smoked, dark, red berry finish. The wine was made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot.
Jamessuckling.com 89-90 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019 Slightly jammy character to the wine, but some round and juicy tannins, combining with a stony and terroir aftertaste.
Wine Spectator 93-96 / 100 byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019 Very fresh and refined in feel, with lots of ripe boysenberry and cherry preserve flavors that glide through. There's a light licorice frame and a pretty sanguine note on the finish. An understated style for the AOC.
Bettane & Desseauve 15 / 20 by Bettane & Desseauvethe3/31/2019 Nez très résineux, fruits rouges confiturés, menthe douce, bouche particulièrement franche, avec un bon jus, un joli fruit, de l’allonge et une grande buvabilité. Très élégant.
Jancis Robinson 15,5 / 20 byJancis Robinsonthe3/31/2019 45% Merlot, 55% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel sample. Deepest purple colour. Ripe cassis laden with violets. Sweet and slightly fat without quite enough freshness to balance. (JH) Julia Harding MW