2018 Chateau de Lamarque, Haut-Medoc

A chewy, linear 2018 with very attractive blackberry, chocolate and wet-earth character. Some mushrooms, too. It’s full-bodied, very tight and tannic, yet polished and creamy-textured. Flavorful finish. Very typically Medoc. Needs three years to soften. Try after 2024.

94 points jamessuckling.com

Château de Lamarque is an historic estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux with 35 hectares (86 acres) of vineyards planted to 45 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 percent Merlot, 10 percent Cabernet Franc and a small parcel of Petit Verdot. These vines are situated on the left bank of the Gironde river and planted over three parcels of soils rich in gravel, clay and sandstone. The estate has moved progressively towards organic viticulture and uses minimal chemicals.