Soutard Cadet 2018 (750ML)

93-95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "This 2.7-hectare vineyard was acquired in 2015 by the Lefévère family, owners of the nearby Sansonnet and Moulin du Cadet. This single block, situated in front of Château Soutard, is planted to 6,000 vines per hectare and in 2018 had an average vine age of 40 years. The vineyard is planted on thin clay soils atop limestone. It will age in 100% new oak barrels for about 18 months. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the wine has 15% alcohol. Deep purple-black colored, the 2018 Soutard-Cadet sports a fair bit of oak to begin, giving way to a core of baked blackberries, plum pudding and Black Forest cake with nuances of fallen leaves and woodsmoke. Full, concentrated and densely packed with ripe, black fruits, it has a firm, grainy texture and a mineral-tinged finish. Production is expected to be just 5,000 bottles." 4/19

94 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Blackberry and bark with some sandalwood and mushroom on the nose. It’s full-bodied with juicy fruit and tight, creamy tannins. Linear and racy. Gorgeous finish. Rather reserved now, but good, serious promise. Try after 2024." 01/21

96+ Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "Emerging from the talents of Marie Lefévère (of Château Sansonnet and Château Moulin du Cadet), the 2018 Château Soutard-Cadet clocks in at 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels. Its dense purple color is followed by a powerful, concentrated Saint-Emilion with stunning cassis and black raspberry fruits, notes of spice, candied violets, camphor, and chocolate, full-bodied richness, beautiful elegance married to serious power, and a blockbuster of a finish. This is another thrill-a-minute Saint-Emilion that readers should snatch up. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and should drink well for a solid two decades." 03/21