2018 Clos La Madeleine Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

The 2018 Clos La Madeleine is rich, creamy and expansive just as it was from barrel. Crushed red berries, flowers, mint, blood orange build as this stylish, mid-weight Saint-Émilion shows off its considerable charm. Silky tannins round things out in style. Clos Madeleine is understated and shy at the moment, but it has a ton to offer.

A blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc, the medium garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos la Madeleine starts off just a little broody, soon giving way to very pretty scents of tilled soil, rose hip tea and fallen leaves over a core of warm redcurrants, chocolate-covered cherries and baked plums plus a hint of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate possesses loads of zip with vivacious red and black fruits and a racy line of freshness backed up by a chewy texture, finishing long and earthy. Not sure what the price is, but I’m imagining there’s a lot of bang for your buck here!

The 2018 Clos la Madeleine was acquired by J-P Moueix in 2017. It has quite a bold bouquet with upfront red plum and cranberry fruit, pressed iris and light blood orange scents. The palate is smooth and sensual on the entry. Dark berry fruit mix with white pepper and clove, perhaps more complex and involving than anticipated. The finish feels very harmonious and assured, fanning out in leisurely fashion. Superb.

76% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc planted on clay on limestone. Barrel sample. Deepest crimson. Ripe raspberry and mulberry fruit, intense and aromatic and smells a little brighter than La Serre, just tasted, less immediate oak. But the oak is more obvious on the palate, in sweet chocolate texture and flavour, the tannins ripe and rounded yet there is immense generosity to the fruit. Polished, though the oak is a little dominant at the moment. (JH)