La Gravette de Certan 2018 (750ML)

90 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 La Gravette de Certan, the second wine of Vieux Château Certan, comprises Merlot blended with younger Cabernet Sauvignon vines, raised in 50% new oak. It has a more complex, nuanced bouquet than I encountered out of barrel; the brambly red fruit is still present, but now intermixed with light truffle, clove and espresso scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and light cracked black pepper notes mingling with the black fruit. Then it tightens up toward the finish, which feels fresh and delineated. This is an excellent La Gravette that should give up to 12 years of drinking pleasure." 03/21

95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Currant, chocolate, wet-earth and cedar aromas follow through to a medium to full body with integrated, refined tannins that build on the palate and follow through in a polished way. Give it three or four years to open, as it seems rather tight. Almost all merlot with some cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2025." 02/21

93 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "From young vines under 20 years old, accounting for around one-third of overall production. Just beautifully mouthwatering, with rosebud notes alongside ripe berry fruits, and slight hints of smoked cigar box on the finish. This is a lovely Gravette, and when you go back to retaste after the first wine it still holds its own, just in a less muscular and complex style. 30% new oak." 11/20

92 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 La Gravette de Certan is a gorgeous second wine. Pliant, creamy and so expressive, La Gravette is everything a second wine should be. Juicy dark cherry fruit, spice, licorice, new leather and lavender fill out the layers effortlessly. No, the 2018 is not quite the 2016, but it's close." 03/21