Chateau Lespault Martillac Pessac Leognan 2018

This is packed with red currant, blackberry and red cherry and black cherry paste notes, supported by mouthwatering bramble and sweet bay accents and carried through the finish by a broad swath of tar. Built for the cellar. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024 through 2036. 2,500 cases made.

The 2018 Château Lespault-Martillac is a winner. Lots of ripe red and black currants, toasted spices, mulberries, flowery incense, and tobacco notes emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, plush, sumptuous texture, terrific tannins, and outstanding length. It's going to deliver loads of pleasure over the coming 15 years or more.

This wine, produced by the winemaking team of Domaine de Chevalier, is dense with solid tannins and black fruits. Everything is bursting with energy, still very young. But the wine has potential, the succulent black-currant flavors showing the way forward. Drink from 2025.

A blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Lespault-Martillac has a deep garnet-purple color, rolling out of the glass with compelling notes of crushed blackberries, fresh blueberries and mulberries, plus wafts of underbrush, wilted roses and red earth. The medium to full-bodied palate has impressive energy, featuring firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral laced. Nicely done!