2018 David Arthur Cabernet Sauvignon Le Boucher
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The 2018 Le Boucher, David Arthur's Cabernet Franc-based blend, is terrific. It is also very young and in need of cellaring. Time in the glass brings out layers of dark red fruit along with the deeply pitched spice and savory notes that are so typical of Franc. I would cellar the 2018 for at least a few years to allow the 2018 to soften. Even today, though, it is pretty appealing. The 2018 has come together beautifully since I last tasted it. The Franc is quite expressive today.
Critic scores
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Red Wine Le Boucher is a rough blend of 57% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. It's a plumper, more rounded wine than the 2017 and has lots of black and blue fruits as well as graphite, dried herbs, spice, and a touch of chocolate. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has plenty of texture, and a good finish.
The 2018 Le Boucher is dark, vibrant and super-expressive. Mysterious and inviting, the 2018 is a wine of real depth and intrigue. Black cherry, licorice, spice, new leather and menthol infuse the 2018 with real dimension and character. Fresh, mineral notes punctuate the finish. It is early, but the 2018 is shaping up very nicely. It shuts down quickly in the glass, but then again, that can happen with Cabernet Franc-based blends.