Château Larrivaux 2018

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Larrivaux rolls slowly, sensuously out of the glass with alluring notes of plum preserves, blueberry compote and crème de cassis with hints of candied violets, Chinese five spice and camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate coats the mouth with generous black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and soft acidity, finishing long and earthy.

Fresh and juicy, with a tasty mix of raspberry, cassis and plum fruit notes that are framed nicely by a dark tobacco edge. Tarry hint adds some bass to the finish. Really solid. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2029. 4,583 cases made.

Some chalky tannins here, supple and enjoyable. Has held up well over ageing, deepening into a confident and enjoyable slice of Haut-Médoc.

Red cherries, crushed berries, sweet tobacco, dark chocolate and red tea on the nose. Hints of citrus zest. It’s medium-bodied with firm, sleek tannins. Fresh and mineral. Drink from 2022.

Medium-bodied, fresh, juicy, sweet and fruity, with a deft touch of chocolate on the finish that rides along nicely with all the sweet red berries. And it sells for a friendly price too!

Lovely fruit, fine tannins, well-crafted, sincere, not very complex.

The nose is fruity, silky, well-crafted and offers freshness, with a light, airy feel on the approach despite the power of the fruit and a fine intensity. It reveals notes of pulpy/juicy strawberry, small red berries and, more lightly, blackberry, together with touches of vibrant small fruits, blackcurrant, licorice, as well as fine hints of violet, racy minerality, a subtle hint of peony and sweet spices. The palate is fruity, fresh, mineral, balanced, racy, and offers lovely definition, a touch of power, good structure, and tension. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, vibrant blackcurrant and, more lightly, bright wild strawberry, combined with touches of bright cherry, as well as hints of small berries, lilac, lily, racy minerality, a subtle hint of cocoa, a discreet hint of pepper and an imperceptible saline note. The tannins are precise, well-handled and offer a lovely grain. Good length and persistence. Score: 16/20