2018 - Richebourg Grand Cru, Meo Camuzet

The 2018 Richebourg Grand Cru has a much more imposing bouquet compared to the Cros Parantoux, the intense blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone and clove scents gently unfurling in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and enormous depth, yet gentle in terms of grip. There is a sense of symmetry on the finish here, along with superb length, yet this will clearly require more bottle age than the Cros Parantoux.

The 2018 Richebourg Grand Cru is a little more backward than the premiers crus that preceded it, opening in the glass with notes of strawberry compote, cherries, raw cocoa, espresso roast and a lavish application of new oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and enveloping, with a textural, concentrated profile underpinned by succulent acids. My sense is that this will come together very positively with further élevage. There's certainly a sweetness to the fruit here that recalls Méo's very successful 2003 vintage, as well as the freshness and structure to ensure balance.