Our Merlot, particularly those on hillsides, behaved admirably this year. We must also pay tribute to the success of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc and their breathtaking aromatic radiance. Precise management of the harvest ensured that we retained freshness and crisp fruit. The dry summer months resulted in fairly small-sized grapes, and low yields meant that the fruit was naturally very concentrated. Dark and intense in colour with rather generous alcohol levels, opulent on the palate, with smooth, silky tannins. This is a powerful, concentrated, rich vintage. Sublime, sunny 2018 can be compared to the exceptional 2009 or even the great 2005.
Blend: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

An extremely polished Bordeaux with silky tannins that are integrated and creamy-textured. Lots of blueberry and blackberry character. Such pure fruit here. It’s already long and delicious, but has plenty of structure and needs at least four or five years of bottle age. Try after 2024. - 97pts James Suckling

Juicy black cherry, jammy raspberries, toasted spices, and leafy herbs notes all emerge from the 2018 Château Faugères, which is medium to full-bodied and has a soft, elegant texture, a kiss of chalky minerality, and remarkable purity of fruit. A blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the final 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, brought up in 50% new French oak, this builds nicely with time in the glass, will positively improve over the coming 2-4 years, and cruise in cold cellars over the following decade or more. It's a beautiful wine. - 93pts Jeb Dunnuck