2018 Chateau Deyrem Valentin Margaux, Bordeaux, France (750ml)   

Coming from the 2010 vintage, this wine feels quite young at a wee 6 1/2 years old yet it is in a great stage for drinking now and will clearly continue to age gracefully for many years to come, well beyond its 10 year mark. It is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in 50% new oak barrels and 50% one year old oak barrels, in a mix of French and American, for 24 months.

It was aged an additional year in bottle before release. The color is a deep, dark opaque red without any browning at the edge which signals a depth of young, vibrant fruit. The nose offers a complexity of aromas ranging from ripe black plum and cherry to black and red licorice, Nyon olives from Provence (the black, crinkly slightly bitter variety), fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon, just dried rose petals, pepper, baking spices, cedar, pencil lead and a pretty accent of dusty Bordeaux earth. The medium-to-full bodied palate continues with all those juicy, saturated and succulent flavors which are balanced with fine acidity and a silky clean texture. The finish is appropriately dry with somewhat sweet and semi-soft tannins that underline the wine's admirable structure.