Château Le Bon Pasteur 2018

Compact in style, rich in extract, bitter, angular tannins.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Bon Pasteur (composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) has a very pretty nose of cherry cordial, black raspberries and stewed plums with hints of potpourri, tobacco leaf, allspice and tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers soft, ripe tannins and bags of juicy black and red berry flavors, finishing with great length and loads of savory nuances.

Tasty, with a nice wave of crushed loganberry, plum and cassis notes that keep the upper hand while light savory, red licorice and sweet spice details fill in on the soft-edged (for the vintage) finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 1,665 cases made.

Blueberry, liquorice and smoke, all layered together and seductively open. There is an evident oak influence, but the tannins are silky and this has a ton of Pomerol appeal.

Blackberry, raspberry, violet and cedar on the nose. It’s full-bodied with vivid acidity. Savory and fleshy. Well structured with firm tannins. Aging will bring harmony. Blend of 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Try after 2024.

The 2018 Le Bon Pasteur has an expressive bouquet, those violet and iris flowers from barrel still intact, and plenty of black fruit backed up with just a touch of wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with quite thick tannins lending this Le Bon Pasteur a solid backbone. Grippy and more masculine than I predicted from barrel, offering tar and tobacco toward the finish and white pepper lingering on the aftertaste. This should turn into a fine Pomerol, but as I said before, it requires bottle age.

Another in a long line of success for Bon Pasteur. Opulent, silky, velvety black plums, cherries, chocolate, licorice, espresso, truffle and flowers taste and feel just great on your palate. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated, fresh, long and polished. Give it 5–7 years to develop even more sensuality. The wine was made from blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc.

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Fresh cherry, orange zest, delicate wood savouriness, some chocolate, inviting bouquet. Juicy, medium complexity, somewhat demanding tannins, delicate bitter chocolate aftertaste.

Inky bright purple colour. Pure, ripe and floral nose with notes of violet, blackberry, cassis, fine tobacco, mild spices and nuanced oak. Excellent density on the palate with layers of crushed blackberry, cocoa and plenty of powdery tannins leading to a long, lingering and meaty finish. Still youthful but excellent potential.

Kunz Fassprobe 19: silky, dense, finely opulent, fruity bouquet, strawberry jelly, pralines, green herbs, smoke. Broad, fruity palate with creamy fruit, finely sandy tannins, sweet aromatics, plush finish.

A fruity bouquet with velvety, dense, finely opulent texture: strawberry jelly, pralines, green herbs, smoke. Broad, fruity palate with creamy fruit, finely sandy tannins, sweet aromatics, and a plush finish. 17/20 2025 - 2038

Le Bon Pasteur 2018 has a deep garnet-purple color. It bursts with warm black cherries, boysenberry preserves, and violets, plus hints of star anise and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fine-grained tannins with lovely freshness and a quiet intensity on the finish.

Silky on the attack, carrying through to an intense palate built with elegant precision, finishing both minty and spicy.

A fairly delicate, powdery nose with subtle aromas of red berries and spices, and on the palate suppleness and a hefty tannic structure that will allow it to go the distance for a long time.

Rich with smoky flavors and tastes of wood aging, this wine is just starting out. The fruit is certainly there, lush black-plum flavors supported by a core of dense tannins. With its richness and potential, the wine needs time. Drink from 2025.