A juicy and fresh red with dark berries and hints of chocolate. Medium to full body, firm and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Delicious already.

Composed of 49% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Sarget de Gruaud Larose gives up vibrant notions of crushed blueberries, warm plums and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of mocha, spice cake and hoisin plus a waft of potpourri. Medium to full-bodied with a backbone of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, the palate delivers bags of juicy fruit, finishing spicy.

The 2018 Sarget de Gruaud-Larose has a slightly dusty nose, with light and quite earthy black fruit and touches of field mushroom in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a splash of balsamic on the entry, light tannins, tea leaf and clove infusing the black fruit, while the finish is easygoing and perhaps missing a little grip. So-so.