2018 de Sales, Pomerol (Pre-Arrival)

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 De Sales rocks up with expressive blackberries and black cherries notes with an undercurrent of tilled soil, truffles and mossy bark. Medium to full-bodied, it has a solid structure of ripe, rounded tannins and impressive freshness, finishing with bright black fruit layers. (LPB) (4/2019)

There is more concentration and power than many recent vintages at de Sales but this keeps its approachability and accessibility. Cassis and blueberry feature alongside tannins that are firm but flexible, but this is not as complex as some and loses a tiny bit of weight through the mid palate, which is where you still feel the impact of the slightly lighter soils in this part of Pomerol. Still, there is no question that this is an excellent vintage at de Sales, with lots of changes at this estate all benefitting the wine. Vincent Montigaud (ex Mouton through Domaine de Baronarques) has done a good job. (JA) (4/2019)

A linear and fine-grained red with medium body, ripe fruit and cedar and chocolate undertones. Very fine and pretty. (4/2019)

Deep crimson. Restrained, slightly earthy dark fruit, perhaps more rocky than earthy. Lively, fresh and with very fine tannins, layered rather than dense, just gently chewy on the finish. Wholesome and nicely dry on the aftertaste. Quite a subtle wine in the context of 2018 but with plenty of fruit. (JH) 16/20 (4/2019)