Clos Lunelles

The 2018 Clos Lunelles is composed of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 14.46% alcohol and a 3.64 pH. Deep garnet-purple in color, it struts confidently out of the glass with gregarious notes of plum preserves, fruitcake and blueberry pie, plus suggestions of Indian spices, Sichuan pepper, new leather and tobacco leaf with a waft of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves, supported by velvety tannins and impressive freshness, finishing long and extra spicy.

Ripe damsons, damson jam on the nose. Intense fruit sweetness. Extremely tannic on the palate. I am sure there is good fruit here but the extraction is pretty firm and the finish therefore dry.

Very concentrated and intense this year. It’s full-bodied with lots of berries and hints of dried fruit. Chewy, oak-infused tannins. Salty undertone. Needs time to soften. One for the cellar. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc and 10% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2024.