2018 Marquis d'Alesme, Margaux

The 2018 Marquis d'Alesme Becker is from the lieu-dit Les Terrasses de Margaux. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and it has 14.5% alcohol. It was aged for 18 months in 65% new and 35% two-year-old barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs considerable swirling to unlock notes of ripe blackcurrants, wild blueberries and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of violets, star anise, underbrush and Sichuan pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with energy, featuring loads of red and black fruit preserves layers and a finely grained texture, finishing long and mineral tinged. (LPB) 95+

If you haven't been in on the past few vintages of Marquis d'Alesme, you might be missing out on one of the true gems in all of Bordeaux. Reasonably priced and exceedingly complex, the 2018 carries on a trends that has catapulted this once-overlooked property into the spotlight. With deep red and black fruits, a hint of vanilla, and the structure and composition to age beautifully, 2018 Marquis d'Alesme will easily be a 20-year wine that will find peers at a much higher pricepoint.