Chateau Les Grands Chenes 2018

JAMES SUCKLING: "Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose with cloves, damp earth and a touch of orange zest. It’s medium-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Lovely precision and evolution with spice and walnut notes coming out on the finish. Try from 2024."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 les Grands Chênes comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of stewed black plums, warm cassis and boysenberries, plus suggestions of pencil shavings, wild sage and crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with energetic, crunchy black fruits, supported by fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with a compelling herbal lift."

DECANTER: "You feel the warmth of the summer in the texture and the character of the fruit here, but it has been extremely well handled, and there's a sense of lift alongside the Magrez signature glamour. Plush damson fruits demonstrate its ambition and sense of forward motion, with a flourish of oak edging. This takes its time and is chewy on the finish. Harvested 24 September to 11 October. Michel Rolland consults. Drinking Window 2024 - 2038"

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Feine Edelholzwürze, ein Hauch von Nougatkaramell, reife Herzkirschen, Noten von Lakritze. Saftig, elegant, kirschige Textur, präsente, gut integrierte Tannine, feiner Schokoladetouch im Abgang, verfügt über Reifepotenzial."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Round, lush, juicy, sweet and fresh, the ripe cherries come through loud and clear. The oak is close to fully integrated, now, you find smoke, flowers, earth and licorice with a touch of espresso to accompany all the ripe, sweet fruits. This is one of the finest vintages of Les Grands Chenes. The wine was made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Readers looking for a delicious, ready-to-go Médoc with classic aromas and flavors as well as medium to full-bodied richness should snatch up bottles of the 2018 Château Les Grands Chênes. Loaded with plenty of darker currant fruits, notes of cedary herbs, and tobacco, ripe, almost sweet tannins, and outstanding length, it's going to drink nicely for at least 10-12 years."