2018 de Pressac (St Emilion)
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Tasting notes
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 de Pressac prances out of the glass with cheery scents of Morello cherries, black raspberries and plum preserves, plus suggestions of chocolate mint, licorice and unsmoked cigars. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers loads of energetic black, blue and red fruit layers, framed by grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. It's approachable now yet has the stuffing to cellar for 15 years or more. This is an interesting five-variety blend of 71% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Carménère and 2% Malbec.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Château de Pressac has a light, airy bouquet displaying less fruit concentration than its peers; it feels rather innocuous. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine acidity. It’s much better than the aromatics and finishes with a pleasant tangy spiciness. Not bad, but I would drink this over the next decade.
The 2018 Château De Pressac showed beautifully, with a rich, medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant style that carries lots of darker berry fruits as well as chocolate, earth, bouquet garni, and tobacco. I love its texture, the purity of fruit is spot on, it has integrated tannins, and a great finish. I suspect this will go down as one of the all-time greats from this estate. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. The blend is 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, all brought up in 50% new French oak.
The 2018 de Pressac is laced with inky red/purplish fruit, blood orange, mint, lavender and rose petal. Just as it was in barrel, the 2018 is quite reticent, while the finish is attenuated. I miss some of the exuberance of recent vintages. Pressac can be one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. The 2018 is attractive, to be sure, but it doesn't hit the highs it can.