Château Chauvin 2018

Closed aromas, slightly herbal, also marked by the élevage; fresh attack, spicy development, angular tannins; should age.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Chauvin rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notions of spiced black plums, blackberry preserves and mulberries with hints of clove oil and incense. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers loads of juicy black fruit flavors with a soft texture and just enough freshness, finishing spicy.

Solidly built, with a core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors liberally laced with warm earth, smoldering tobacco and dark licorice notes. A subtle savory edge adds energy to the finish. Drink now through 2029. 4,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Savoury and fragrant as with Folie de Chauvin, but here with added depth and power. Raspberry and blueberry fruits on the attack give way to richer raspberry purée and black cherry through the mid-palate, all given a firm lift through the finish. Enjoyable, with touches of graphite and liquorice-laced tannins. Deepened over ageing.

85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. pH 3.72, IPT 89. Owned by Sylvie Cazes since 2014. Impressive young winemaker Jérémie Gravier who is very hot on viticulture. Barrel sample. Inky dark. Ripe, rich and black-fruited on the nose. Cassis, blackberry and mulberry – so much fruit. On the palate all that fruit is there too but currently covered by the tannins. Savoury, lightly spicy, chewy. Dark and satisfying on the palate, chewy in a good way. Opens in the glass, and the tannins seem to become more fine-grained. The fruit is really well sustained from start to finish. Dark and pure. Even with all the layers of tannin, there's a juiciness seeping round the edges. More finesse to come in the bottle, for sure. (JH)

With a strong floral accent, the wine adds wet earth, licorice and plums to its nuances. Medium-bodied, soft and silky, with sweet, dark red berries and thyme on the palate and in the finish, there is good freshness and complexity found here.

Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections, subtle brightening at the rim. Fine nougat, some liquorice and cassis, dark cherry, discreet, fine oak spice. Juicy, harmonious, sweet cherry, good freshness, integrated tannins, persistent, a well-balanced food wine with further development likely and definite ageing potential.

Checking in as a mix of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 50% new oak, the 2018 Château Chauvin is a rich, powerful wine that clearly ranks with the finest wines from this address in the past decade or so. A dense purple hue is followed by awesome black raspberry and spiced cherry fruits as well as notes of chocolate, dried herbs, sandalwood, and tobacco. With full-bodied richness, a round, layered mouthfeel, and ripe yet certainly present tannins, it has some up-front appeal given its beautiful fruit and texture, yet it deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and will be a 20- to 25-year wine. Bravo!

Kunz barrel sample 19: medium-intense, delicate bouquet, strawberry jelly, fermentation notes, smoke, licorice. Light, fruity palate with sweet fruit, good tannins, a firm structure, medium aromatics, and a bitter finish. Can still improve.

Silky, fruity, delicately off-dry bouquet, cherries, currants, fresh herbs, dark chocolate. Well-structured, aromatic palate with fine-grained, silty tannins, light, sweet fruit, medium aromatics, bourgeois structure, bitter finish. Can still improve. 16/20 2024 - 2036

The sample tasted at château Dassault on Sunday, March 31, fully convinced us of the estate’s positive evolution, as with this 2018 brimming with fruit and vitality. Its silky, subtly coated texture enhances the pleasure, and the body’s density is well balanced by the freshness of the tannin.

Intensity and complexity in Chauvin’s bouquet with pleasant notes of cocoa beans and blueberries. Elegant, fruity, and refreshing attack. The tannins unfold slowly to reach their full breadth at the finish, aligning with the acidic structure. A balanced, juicy, and lively wine. Fruity, persistent finish. A fine success.

Blackberries and cherries, violets, herbs and some ash character to this full-bodied St.-Emilion. Savory, chewy texture with tight tannins and a medium finish. Try after 2024.

Bold, ripe tannins and black fruits are a hallmark of the vintage. This wine is distinguished by dense tannins shot with acidity, giving a sense of structure and richness. The wine from this rapidly improving estate has good aging potential and should not be drunk before 2026.