Roumier's 2018 Chambolle-Musigny Village opens in the glass with notes of ripe cherries, raspberries and plums, complemented by hints of warm spices, smoke and peonies. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, it's ripe and muscular, with a lively core of fruit and rich, powdery tannins. More powerful than its 2017 counterpart, this will require some patience.
Revisited from bottle, the 2018 Morey-Saint-Denis 1er Cru Clos de la Bussière offers up aromas of cherries, raspberries, Indian spices and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, ample and muscular, it's firm and structured, with rich, chalky tannins and a ripe core of fruit.
Robert Parker 97+ pts A blend of fruit from the three single vineyards, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith offers up more cherries and cranberries beautifully complemented by deep loam and mocha undertones. It's full-bodied, lush and velvety in texture, with a long, vibrant finish. It's even a bit tart.
Robert Parker 97 pts A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain was aged for 22 months in oak barrels, 84% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it explodes from the glass with bombastic black currants, black cherries and boysenberries notes plus underlying hints of violets, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and fragrant. 3,997 cases were made.
Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone Occidental Bodega has delicate scents of fresh cranberries, strawberries and Bing cherries with nuances of woodsmoke, graphite and earth. The palate is light-bodied with bright fruits, a soft frame and juicy finish. 350 cases produced.
Robert Parker 98 pts Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Scarecrow is deep garnet-purple in color, slipping slowly, measuredly out of the glass with sensuous notes of blackberry pie, blackcurrant pastilles and Morello cherries, leading to hints of raspberry leaves, oolong tea, cardamom and fragrant earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of energy, delivering vivacious, mineral-sparked black fruit preserves flavors with a firm, grainy texture and a refreshing lift on the long, long finish. Simply gorgeous!
