The 2018 Haut-Marbuzet is a real success in a vintage that has tended to produce very chunky, fruit-driven wines. Exhibiting aromas of blackberries and blackcurrants mingled with sweet spices and vanilla pod, it's medium to full-bodied, suave and seamless, with terrific concentration, refined tannins and a long, penetrating finish. What's more, it has real potential to improve in the cellar.

One of the hidden jewels of the vintage, the 2018 Haut-Marbuzet is absolutely gorgeous. Pliant and deep in the glass, with terrific persistence, the 2018 has so much to offer. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, dried flowers and mint add layers of nuance, but it is the wine's balance that is most impressive. In 2018 Haut-Marbuzet has an extra kick of flavor intensity, not to mention tremendous character, with none of the quirky edges that have at times characterized this wine in the past.

The 2018 Haut-Marbuzet has a ripe nose offering layers of brambly red berry fruit, although there is something static about the aromatics; they lack vibrancy. The palate is medium-bodied and tannic, with sappy red berry fruit and a firm backbone. Slightly chalky in texture toward the finish, it just needs more persistence. An atypically austere Haut-Marbuzet; I miss its usual fleshiness and charm.

Full bottle 1,304 g. 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. 40 hl/ha. Deep cherry red. Rich in ripe dark fruit and a touch of oak’s sweet spice and a touch of vanilla. Almost peppery. Firm, dry, thick tannins but filled out by the fruit. While still very young, this is moreish and well-balanced. Persistent, too. (JH)

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. High toned and another wine that seems so much riper than most wines from this appellation. Ripe, sweet elderberries. Then pretty punishing dry tannins. (JR)