Couhins - Pessac-Léognan 2018

Vinous

89 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

The 2018 Couhins-Lurton packs a serious punch. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, cured meats, spice, licorice and menthol all blast out of the glass. There is not a whole lot of subtlety here, but the 2018 will do quite nicely at the dinner table paired with hearty cuisine. This big, chewy Pessac-Léognan is not short on character.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/16/2021

Another fruit-loaded 2018 with loads of character, the 2018 Château Couhins gives up ample red currant and black cherry-like fruits as well as medium to full body, notes of leafy herbs, earth, and saddle leather, soft, supple tannins (but plenty of them), and a great finish. Give bottles 3-4 years and drink over the following 10-12. The blend is 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, brought up in one-third new French oak.

The Wine Cellar Insider

93 / 100

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

With a nice depth of color, the elegant wine delivers ample, soft, sweet, ripe, smoky, refined red fruits on the nose and palate.

Vinous

85 / 100

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

The 2018 Couhins-Lurton has a tightly wound black currant, cedar and ash-scented nose, nicely defined and focused if not overly complex. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins, though it feels a little green around the edges and slightly bitter on the aftertaste.

Jamessuckling.com

93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/18/2021

Very pretty blueberry and chocolate with some walnut and bark undertones. Pretty, pure fruit here. Medium to full body with creamy, polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink in 2024.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/1/2021

Sleek, ripe and focused, with a lovely beam of cassis and plum reduction laced with red licorice and floral notes and framed with a subtle mesquite hint on the iron-tinged finish. Drink now through 2028. 2,500 cases made. –JM

Yvesbeck.wine

90 / 100

byYves Beckthe1/26/2021

Bouquet complexe, de bonne intensité, révélant de subtiles notes fruitées et des nuances d'élevage. Parfums de framboises et de mûres suivies d'une touche épicées et de notes chocolatées. En bouche le vin est friand, frais, crémeux et équilibré. Les tannins sont agréablement suaves et parfaitement intégrés. Un vin sapide et élégant.

Decanter.com

94 / 100

byJane Ansonthe1/12/2021

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/7/2020

Bright and fresh, with a lively stream of lemon curd, verbena and honeysuckle flavors, backed by a subtle twinge of fleur de sel through the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,333 cases made. — JM

Vinifera

88-90 /

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Nez sur la cerise et de fines notes de cacao. Bouche souple, gourmande, équilibrée au tanin fondant.  

La Revue du Vin de France

16-16,5 / 20

the4/24/2019

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

More than just the cherry pipe tobacco nose, you'll also find supple polished, ripe red fruits, soft tannins and a spicy, red fruit-filled finish.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Couhins features expressive black raspberries, warm red and black currants and wild blueberry scents with touches of chocolate mint and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is filled with generous black fruit and a fine-grained texture, finishing with lovely freshness and lift. 90-92+

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

Polished and refined Couhins with medium body and currant and walnut undertones. Hint of ripe tobacco. Lovely.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

90 / 100

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Decanter.com

92 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/1/2019

Here is a vintage where Couhin's red has really lived up to its promise. It has juice, balance, intensity and is extremely succulent, with Pessac gloss and balance. It's austere on the finish, but this suggests it will have good ageing ability. 3.53pH. 20% new oak.
Drinking Window 2026 - 2040

Jancis Robinson

15 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/1/2019

Vinous

87-89 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/1/2019

The 2018 Couhins is dark, jammy and quite powerful. Smoke, licorice, tobacco and earthy notes are layered into a core of jammy fruit. Rustic and persistent, with terrific depth, the 2018 has the potential to develop into a terrific wine if some of the more angular contours soften during élevage. The blend is 56% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Tasted two times.

Bettane & Desseauve

14,5 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe3/31/2019

Bien construit dans un registre assez simple.

Yvesbeck.wine

92-93 / 100

byYves Beckthe3/23/2019

Pourpre violacé. Bouquet complexe, élégant, aux notes épicées et fruitées où je relève des baies noires et un peu de réglisse. Attaque crémeuse. Au palais le vin a du corps, de la densité et est doté de tannins aux grains fins qui se révèlent en fin de bouche. Belle intensité aromatique en symbiose avec la fraîcheur de la structure. Un vin qui a de l’élégance et du caractère. Finale fruitée et persistante. Belle réussite. 2024-2038