Tasting Notes
JancisRobinson.com 16++
Tasted blind. Meaty nose. And then rather pinched fruit. Ungenerous. Ambitious but not yet at all charming. Though the core of fruit is impressive.
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2040
Vinous 88
The 2018 Berliquet has not come together as well as I had hoped. There is a certain aggressiveness and edginess that keeps the wine from being fully expressive. It will be interesting to see if more time in bottle helps. This was the first vintage made by the Canon team led by Nicolas Audebert. The elements don’t feel totally put together.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2033
Robert Parker 93
The 2018 Berliquet is composed of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc and has 14.5% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal a classic nose of ripe black plums, wild blueberries and pencil shavings with hints of unsmoked cigars, tilled soil and red roses. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of blue and black fruit preserves, supported by plush tannins and impressive freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. Since the Chanel takeover and under Nicolas Audebert’s direction, the development of this site and the wine are truly impressive. I suspect a lot of selection has gone into making this 2018, and the results reveal a top-tier Saint-Émilion in the making.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2040
