LVCA Ludwig Vanneron Le Galant 2018

Cameron Douglas MS writes "96pts Classic and powerful bouquet with concentration of colour and bouquet, complexity and intrigue. Aromas of blackberry and marmite, roasted plums and boot polish, cassis and sweet violets, very toasty barrel and spices to match. Complex, youthful, powerful. On the palate - sweet ripe dark berry fruit flavours hit the palate first, tannins and acidity layer in next with fine through moderate chalky textures. The core of the wine remains the dark berry fruits then oak. Spicy, tense, youthful, lengthy. A wine that will age well for some years and reward every step of the way. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+. Decant for service." 

Rebecca Gibb MW writes "93 pts - Outstanding. It's reminiscent of a classical Left Bank Bordeaux red on the nose, with pure cassis and lightly herbal aromatics. Precise, focused and pure, it is a wine on a mission, moving forward relentlessly. Classy French oak influences (15 months in 93% new) can be seen in the lick of vanilla complementing the creamy black fruit. The structured frame of tannins are unmistakably Cabernet Sauvignon in their build holding the mouth firmly and assuredly and combining with the fresh acidity and the ripe fruit to make this a wine for the meidum to long haul."

The winery writes "This Bordeaux left-bank style wine is fresh, dense and tight. With a youthful note of graphite, black currant, violet and tobacco. The palate is close but with hidden force like the beast in the cave! The finish is refined and balanced, a powerful wine needs a lot of patience for the reward. If must, open for a half day in the de-canter but otherwise cellar for at least 5 years before it starts to shine."