2018 Château Duhart-Milon-Rothschild, Cru Classé Pauillac

The 2018 Duhart-Milon is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, with the Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 25 to October 4 and the Merlot harvested September 17-25, and it has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, woodsmoke, potpourri and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and laden with layers of black fruit preserves and spices, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. Very impressive—the densest, most opulent Duhart I have tasted!

A wine that is often austere during En Primeur but is here showing its seductive side with a generous texture lending a wonderful richness through the palate giving it the feel of a 2009, although clearly loaded with tannins, but of a softer style than 2010 or 2016. It has a juiciness rippling with bramble fruit on the attack, then the herb, slate and liquorice root come in through the mid-palate adding complexity and gravitas. Harvest took place between 17 September and 4 October. 73IPT.

This is a very powerful Duhart with blackcurrant and blackberry character. Lots of graphite and black tea. Full-bodied and muscular with lots of formed muscles and great length. Could be best ever?

The 2018 Duhart-Milon is a dense, powerful wine. Black cherry, licorice, dark spice, coffee, gravel and grilled herbs add to an impression of gravitas and brooding power. In 2018, Duhart-Milon is a wine of vertical build and intensity. The elevated ripeness of the vintage is very much in evidence in the wine's flavor profile and richness. It will be interesting to see how the 2018 develops during élevage. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot.