Clos Saint Julien 2018 (750ML)

92-94 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Catherine Papon-Nouvel, the owner/winemaker at Petit Gravet Aîné, owns this 1.2-hectare vineyard situated just west of Château Soutard atop the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. The 40-year-old vineyard is certified organic, and yields in 2018 were 37 hectoliters per hectare. Aging is in 100% new barrels for an estimated 18 months. From the Gaudet and Le Jardin lieux-dits and blended of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos St Julien saunters languorously out of the glass with notions of baked blueberries, spice cake and plum preserves plus hints of mocha, Christmas cake and sautéed herbs. Full, rich and decadent, it has tons of spicy sparks and a plush texture, finishing with a refreshing lift. About 5,000 bottles will be produced." 4/19

90 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Clos Saint-Julien has an attractive bouquet of copious blackberry and blueberry fruit, hints of dark chocolate and mint bubbling up with aeration. There is something accessible about these aromatics. The smooth palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and lush, minty dark fruit, though it retains focus and delineation. My main criticism is that it does not quite kick on toward the finish and just leaves me wanting more complexity and personality." 03/21

91-94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "Proprietor Catherine Papon-Nouvel turned out a gorgeous Clos Saint Julien in 2018. Black cherry, plum, espresso, menthol, licorice and smoke build as this sumptuous, full-bodied Saint-Émilion shows off its curvy, racy personality. A wine of real character, Clos Saint Julien is a winner. The tiny 1.2 hectare vineyard sits on Saint-Émilion's vaunted limestone plateau and is planted with 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, the same blend as the wine itself." 4/19

93 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "A complete and beautiful 2018 with currant, sweet-berry, light vanilla and cedar character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, polished tannins and a long finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink after 2024." 02/21

97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "Lots of blackcurrants, espresso, chocolate, tobacco, and classic Saint-Emilion minerality emerge from the 2018 Clos Saint-Julien, a rich, full-bodied, beauty with incredible character and depth. Flawlessly balanced, with brilliant tannins and a pure, seamless yet powerful style, it's a magical 2018 that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years in cold cellars. It's a true "wow" wine in the vintage." 03/21