Chateau Desmirail 2018

Seductively fruity and spicy; fruity on the attack, with a silky development and polished tannins: elegance and charm again this year. Promising evolution.

Lilac, warmed black currant preserve and incense notes work together to define this caressing wine, while subtle mineral, bay and warm earth notes support the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2033. 4,583 cases made.

Cocoa and coffee take the lead, balanced by menthol, eucalyptus and sweet damson fruits, alongside chewy and pretty ferocious tannins. There is uplift through the finish, and overall the tannins have softened over ageing, but this is a wine that comes at you fast and strong. Harvested 24 September to 5 October with a yield of 45hl/ha. 50% new oak.

This has an earthier nose of blackberries, dried earth, bark, oyster shells and cloves. Medium-bodied with fine, tea-like tannins. Savory, mineral and tight. Drink after 2022.

The 2018 Desmirail impressed out of barrel. Now bottled, it still represents one of the best vintages that I have tasted from this Margaux estate. Gorgeous blackberry and raspberry scents feature on the nose, the new oak supportive and beautifully enmeshed. The palate is very well balanced with supple tannins, a keen line of acidity and a chalky-textured finish that is extremely well focused. This is a great success for Denis Lurton and his team. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Medium-bodied, with a lean edge to its slightly firm red fruits, here you find a blend of various, bright red fruits ranging from red plums to cranberry and dried pit fruit on the nose and palate. Consumers longing for the days of classic Bordeaux will appreciate this more than I did.

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate notes of dried plums, a hint of figs and pickled cherries, tobacco, some precious wood. Medium body, red forest berry confit, somewhat demanding tannins, nougat tones on the finish, a finely spiced food companion.

Kunz barrel sample 19: silky, medium-bodied bouquet, blackberries, cherries, mocha, wood. Firm, broad palate with sweet fruit, sandy tannins, angular structure, medium aromatics, bitter finish. Can still improve.

Velvety, medium-intensity bouquet, blackberries, cherries, mocha, wood. Firm, broad palate with sweet fruit, sandy tannins, angular structure, medium aromatics, bitter finish. Can still improve. 16/20 2024 - 2036

It never ceases to surprise, with a tight, dense palate that is also highly refined and superbly persistent. The long finish reveals very fine tannins.

Deep garnet red. The élevage dominates the wine’s bouquet with notes of roasting and freshly ground coffee. I detect a few blackberry notes, but in keeping with the overall impression, the élevage on the nose remains predominant. On the palate, the wine is more convincing. It shows a refined, well-balanced character and is well supported by its structure. Carrying tannins and, finally, a reflection of the olfactory characteristics on the finish. A pleasant wine.

The 2018 Desmirail has a deep garnet-purple color and notes of stewed red and black cherries, blackberry preserves and redcurrant jelly with touches of sautéed herbs, raspberry leaves and mossy tree bark with a waft of anise. The medium-bodied palate is delicately played and refreshing, featuring a light touch of chewy tannins and crunchy red and black fruit flavors, finishing earthy.