Gracia 2018 (6.0L)

94-96 JD / 93-95 WA / 93-94 JS / 91-94 VM

The 2018 Château Gracia comes from Michel Gracia’s tiny 1.83-hectare vineyard and is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that’s being raised in new French oak. This is a minuscule garage operation, but it consistently yields a blockbuster, hedonistic, singular wine. The 2018 reveals a deep purple color as well as ample red, black, and blue fruits, lots of spice, incense, and spring flowers, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and beautiful overall balance and purity. Yields were tiny here, and on the order of 20 hectoliters per hectare, so there are less than 700 cases made, but it’s unquestionably worth your time and money. It will need 4-6 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. Tasted twice. - Jeb Dunnuck

Michel Gracia's tiny 1.83-hectare vineyard in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes is planted at a density of 5,500 vines per hectare in rich clay and limestone soils. Vines in 2018 had an average age of 47 years, and yields were 22 hectoliters per hectare. It is aging in 100% new oak for an estimated 16-18 months. The blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. From the Les Grandes Landes lieu-dit and with 14% alcohol, the deep purple-black colored 2018 Gracia comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of baked blackberries, blueberry compote and stewed plums with nuances of Indian spices, tilled soil and fruitcake plus a touch of chocolate box. Full, concentrated and decadently fruited, it delivers bold, mouth-coating flavors and a velvety texture, finishing on an earthy note. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

Finesse and depth highlight this young St.-Emilion with dark-berry, chocolate and walnut character. Medium body. Bright finish. - James Suckling

The 2018 Gracia, from a tiny 1.83 hectare vineyard in Saint-Émilion's Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes sector, is dense and explosive in the glass. Blackberry jam, smoke, chocolate, leather, licorice and iron give the 2018 its powerful, super-concentrated feel. Ripeness and intensity are pushed to the edge in a dense, plush Saint-Émilion loaded with character. The 2018 is a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a terrific showing from proprietor Michael Gracia and consulting winemaker Jean-Philippe Fort. Tasted two times.- Antonio Galloni