Grand Village 2018 (750ML)

90-93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2018 Grand Village is composed of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc; the Merlot was harvested September 24-28 and the Cabernet Franc was harvested October 5-6. Deep garnet-purple colored, it struts out of the glass with gregarious scents of wild blueberries, baked plums and warm blackcurrants with hints of chocolate-covered cherries, dusty soil, garrigue and charcuterie. Full-bodied and decadently fruited in the mouth, the palate features tons of black and blue fruit flavors with a firm, chewy frame and earthy finish." 4/19

90 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Grand Village has undergone a small reorganization in terms of its grape varieties (see my tasting note from barrel). It has a refined bouquet that opens over the course of a couple of hours, the Cabernet Franc expressive, lending subtle peppery scents to aromatics that convey a sense of classicism, something old-school, which I do not write pejoratively. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and peppery in style, the crunchy black fruit now laced with a little tobacco. There’s a lovely tang of cracked black pepper on the finish that lingers for 30 seconds. A superb Grand Village that should give up to a decade’s drinking pleasure." 03/21

90-93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Grand Village is racy, silky and beautifully perfumed, with striking aromatic lift and generous vibrant red berry fruit. Medium in body, gracious and wonderfully nuanced, Grand Village is fabulous in 2018. Sweet floral notes and a burst of Bouchet (Cabernet Franc) savoriness punctuate the finish. Once again, Grand Village is a fabulous wine in its peer group, and frankly, beyond. A reduction of the vineyard from 15 hectares to 12, done to focus on just the best parcels, is starting to pay handsome dividends. Out of curiosity, I came back to the Grand Village after tasting through the entire range at Lafleur, and it showed beautifully." 4/19

92 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Aromas of currants and blueberries with some crushed stones follow through to a full body, creamy and chewy tannins and impressive intensity at the finish. Give it two or three years of bottle age. Merlot and bouschet (cabernet franc). Try after 2022." 02/21

92 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "This has huge personality and is a wine to start taking serious note of. The fruits here are pretty dark, the Cabernet Franc really taking the lead, with more cool blue fruit than is usual with Grand Village, real grip and depth to the tannic hold and salinity through the finish. From the Guinaudeau family of Château Lafleur. 3.55pH." 3/19

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "I continue to love this wine, which is made by the talented team at Château Lafleur in Pomerol. Based on 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 30% new oak, the 2018 Grand Village (Lafleur) reveals a dense purple color as well as a medium to full-bodied, ripe, expansive style offering plenty of power as well as elegance. Giving up notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, truffle, and spring flowers, it's a gorgeous 2018 with the texture and opulence to drink fabulously well today, yet the balance and structure to evolve for 15+ years." 03/21