Balestard La Tonnelle 2018 (750ML)

93-94 JS / 91-93 WA / 90-92 JD / 91 DE / 89-91 VM

A fruity 2018 with a full to medium body and a pretty core of fruit and ripe tannins. Lively finish. Just the right amount of spice and cedar. - James Suckling

The 2018 Balestard la Tonnelle is deep garnet-purple colored and bursts forth with opulent baked blackberries, stewed plums, spice cake and dried mulberries scents with a seriously minty undercurrent and wafts of Chinese five spice and potpourri. Full-bodied, rich and seductive in the mouth, the voluptuous fruit is well supported by firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

The 2018 Château Balestard La Tonnelle sports a vivid purple color as well as notes of kirsch, jammy blueberry and blackberries, spicy oak, and licorice. This medium to full-bodied Saint-Émilion is nicely concentrated, has a creamy, polished texture, outstanding balance and a great finish. It’s a ripe, sexy wine. - Jeb Dunnuck

This is a good quality, powerful wine which leaves little to the imagination but offers plenty to enjoy. It has firm, full blueberry and damson fruits with exuberance to the fore. It's juicy and full of punch, lined with liquorice, toasted vanilla bean and grilled oak. - Jane Anson, Decanter

The 2018 Balestard La Tonnelle is soft, supple and inviting. Dark cherry, spice, plum, leather and floral notes all grace this attractive, nuanced Saint-Émilion. Plush and yet medium in body, the 2018 has quite a bit to offer. Tasted two times.- Antonio Galloni