Château Grandes Murailles - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2018

Vinous

91-94 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/28/2019

The 2018 Les Grandes Murailles, 100% Merlot from a two hectare plot on Saint-Émilion's plateau, is terrific. Fresh, nuanced and delineated, the 2018 is all class. In some recent vintages, Grandes Murailles has been a bit lean, but in 2018 the wine has an extra dimension of richness that makes it an absolutely joy to taste. Whether that is a function of changes in winemaking or a reflection of the vintage remains to be seen. What is far more certain is that the 2018 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Stephane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consult to the Cuvelier family. Les Grandes Murailles is one of the great surprises of the vintage. Tasted two times.

Jeb DUNNUCK

94-96 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/1/2019

This tiny estate (there are a scant 1.5 hectares in production) located just next door to Clos Fourtet, on the upper limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, has produced a blockbuster with their 2018 Château Les Grandes Murailles! Based all on Merlot aging in 60% new French oak (the balance is in second-fill barrels and amphora), it reveals an inky purple color as well as a heavenly bouquet of crème de cassis, black raspberries, spring flowers, and subtle background oak. Full-bodied, light on its feet, and elegant, with beautiful purity of fruit, it’s a remarkable wine that’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and evolve for two decades or more. Note, this estate was acquired by the Cuvelier family (who also own Clos Fourtet) in 2013 and it’s the smallest grand cru classé vineyard in all Saint-Émilion. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Jean-Claude Berrouet consult.

Vinifera

90 /

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Très élégant, fruité délicat et raffiné, subtil, de la chair, ce n'est pas un grand vin mais c'est un vin juste, c'est vraiment bon. 

La Revue du Vin de France

16-17 / 20

the4/24/2019

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/23/2019

Flowers, black raspberries, licorice and plums are in the nose. The wine is concentrated, lushly textured, fresh, silky, fruity and opulent in nature. 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.

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Grandes Murailles leaps from the glass with bold baked raspberries and blackberry compote scents with nuances of warm plums, lavender and truffles. Full-bodied, the palate has a commendable structure of firm, super fine tannins and seamless freshness lifting the vibrant fruit to a long finish.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

A tight and juicy red with chocolate, hazelnut and plum character. Hints of salt and white pepper, too. Full and formed. Could be better than 2016 or 2015.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

90 / 100

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Wine Spectator

93-96 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019

Solidly built, featuring raspberry and blackberry compote notes infused with black tea and anise flavors. Good energy matches the grip of the finish. Sneaky long too.

Decanter.com

91 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/1/2019

Pretty pulled in and powerful, this is a little extreme in its graphite and is full of austere angles at this point, softened up by cassis and bilberry fruits. It will soften during ageing, of course, and will age well.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2040

Yvesbeck.wine

95-97 / 100

byYves Beckthe4/1/2019

Rouge grenat dense aux reflets violets. Quel bouquet ! Superbe intensité fruitée et florale avec des notes de cassis et de violettes et d’iris. Mise en bouche friande et juteuse. Le palais présente une belle tension qui lui est conférée par la structure et qui est bien encadrée par les tannins. Ces derniers ont de la puissance et, au final, créent une belle symbiose avec l’acidité. Ce terroir fournit année après année de superbes raisins et l’équipe de Mathieu Cuvelier maîtrise parfaitement l’élevage. Un vin de toute beauté. 2024-2042