Ségla 2018

The 2018 Ségla, raised in 25% new oak, has an opulent, high-toned bouquet of crème de cassis, menthol and violets, almost an amped-up version of the 2017 Ségla. The palate is rounded and quite voluptuous on the entry, offering almost heady black cherry and cassis fruit that leads to a rich confit-like finish; figs and Indian spice linger on the aftertaste. Fine.

Bright ruby in colour, the nose to the 2018 Ségla is deft and cool, impressive in a riper vintage. Sweet red cherries, violets and plum come through with just a hint of charcoal. The tannins are polished and succulent, gently framing juicy, layered blue and red fruits. Supple and approachable, this is sweet but not decadent, always in the refined style this château has cultivated over decades.

The 2018 Ségla is composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from September 27 to October 11, Merlot from September 13-27 and Petit Verdot September 28-29. It has 14% alcohol, and aging is anticipated to be 18 months in barriques, 25% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it opens with quite profound notes of baked blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries and mulberries with underlying cassis, violets, espresso and cracked pepper. The palate is medium to full-bodied with loads of rich fruit and lovely peppery sparks, framed by plush tannins and finishing with great length.