2018 Domaine de l'A
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Tasting notes
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Domaine de l'A leaps from the glass with bold scents of crushed redcurrants, plum preserves and mulberries, plus hints of graphite, tobacco leaf and cedar chest with a waft of dried mint. The elegantly styled, medium-bodied palate features bright, crunchy red and black fruits with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long with a skip in its step.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Domaine de l’A is blossoming nicely in bottle. The nose features a mixture of red and black fruit laced with light vanilla and cedar aromas, well defined and not too imposing. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine tannins and very well-judged acidity. All it’s really missing is some persistence on the finish; just as it gets going, it scarpers out the back door. Give it two or three years and I suspect it will gain some length.
The 2018 Domaine De L'A is the finest vintage I've tasted from Derenoncourt. Based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc brought up in 40% new oak, it reveals a vivid ruby/purple hue to go with a heavenly nose of black raspberries, ripe cherries, cassis, tobacco, spring flowers, roasted herbs, and chocolate. Rich, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, it stays weightless and elegant, with sweet tannins, beautiful mid-palate depth, and the pure, vibrant, crystalline style of the vintage front and center. This beauty is already hard to resist yet certainly promises another 15 years of prime drinking from cold cellars.