2018 Les Astéries

Aromas of ripe plum, blueberry, walnut, orange zest and licorice. It’s full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Fleshy and richly flavored. Try after 2024.

The 2018 Les Astéries comes from more hard-packed limestone soils, so this cuvée tends to be one of the more mineral-driven, backward, structured wines in the lineup, and the 2018 is no exception. Dense purple-hued, with a powerful nose of blackcurrants, plums, candied violets, dark chocolate, and scorched earth, it hits the palate with a massive amount of chalky, mineral-like nuances as well as medium to full-bodied richness, terrific overall balance, lots of tannins, and a great finish. A blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc brought up in 80% new barrels, hide bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following 20-25 years. This is pure, classic, limestone and mineral-driven Saint-Emilion.