2018 Chateau Marsau Francs Cotes de Bordeaux
100% Merlot, Marsau was once referred to as The Petrus of the Côtes de Francs" by Robert Parker, Suckling lost his cool for the 2018, saying "Beautifully pure cherry, berry, black-olive and lightly toasted coffee-bean aromas follow through to a full body with a lovely center palate and purity of fruit. Lots of fine tannins. Balanced and poised. Wonderful depth. Tiny production – only 20% of the normal production. Pure merlot." $40? Fuggeddaboutit. This should make even a Napa wine lover's pulse quicken.
James Suckling
Beautifully pure cherry, berry, black-olive and lightly toasted coffee-bean aromas follow through to a full body with a lovely center palate and purity of fruit. Lots of fine tannins. Balanced and poised. Wonderful depth. Tiny production – only 20% of the normal production. Pure merlot. From organically grown grapes. Needs two or three years to come around. Try after 2022.