Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château Haut Brisson is a pretty, floral wine delivering crunchy red and blue fruits, lots of spring flower and damp earth aromatics, medium to full-bodied richness, and present, firm, yet ripe and polished tannins. It's beautifully done, with an exotic, age-worthy vibe, it's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.

The 2018 Haut-Brisson comes from Vignonet and Monbousquet in Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, from the lieu-dit Laroque. It is blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. It is aging in 35% new, 35% one-year-old and 30% two-year-old barrels for an anticipated 18 months. It has a deep garnet-purple color and comes charging out of the glass with baked black cherries, warm blueberries and preserved plums with touches of pencil shavings, kirsch and chargrilled meat plus a waft of Indian spices. Full-bodied, the generously fruited palate has a lovely plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing with a menthol lift.

The 2018 Haut-Brisson is a very pretty wine. Rich, ample and so inviting, the 2018 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Black cherry, mocha, spice, menthol and licorice build in a creamy, racy Saint-Émilion loaded with charm. The only issue with the 2018 is a slightly drying, vegetal note on the finish.

This red sports a lively mix of blackberry and black currant preserve notes contrasted by savory and tobacco details. Everything knits nicely through the anise-accented finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 1,666 cases made.