The 2018 Marojallia is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. It was aged in one-third new French oak barrels, one-third in second year barrels and the rest in vats. It has 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with fragrant scents of Black Forest cake, warm cassis and redcurrant jelly with hints of cinnamon stick, rose petals, cedar chest and chocolate box. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with expressive black and red berry flavors, supported by finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long with a spicy kick. This vineyard is situated between Le Tertre and Monbrison in the parish of Arsac on deep, gravelly soils. It is planted at a high density of 6,500-10,000 vines per hectare. The average age of the vines for this section was 60 years old in 2018.

The 2018 Marojallia is gorgeous. Dark cherry, mocha, espresso, licorice, menthol and sweet spice all flesh out in this succulent, lush Margaux. All the elements meld together effortlessly. Sweet spice and floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift and further nuance. This is an especially creamy, racy style. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

The 2018 Marojallia has an open, floral bouquet of attractive blueberry and blackberry fruit; I like the precision and detail exhibited here. The palate is medium-bodied with dense black fruit framed by firm tannins. The finish offers graphite and cedar, rendering it the most Pauillac-like Marojallia I can recall. This has great potential.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot. Barrel sample. Very dark purple. Hugely intense. Utterly unlike my idea of Margaux but many people will like it, probably. Big and round and polished. You could drink this already. Extreme wine but you have to admire the combination of approachability and intensity. Clean finish. Pretty damned snazzy. Not up my street but I do admire it. (JR)