When I tasted the 2018 Cheval Blanc from barrel, I felt that it deserved a very good score, though not one that implied potential perfection. The bottle was tasted upon opening, but I only began to pen my tasting note after 3–4 hours’ decanting. I still find the bouquet more open than many recent vintages, the ripe brambly red fruit intermingling with clove, sage and light graphite notes originating from the Cabernet components (46% of the final blend). It is a really seductive bouquet, though not as complex or as nuanced as, say, the astonishing 2016 or the impressive 2015. The palate is medium-bodied with refined tannins. A harmonious and elegant Cheval Blanc that has retained the linearity I remarked upon in barrel. So it is not a flamboyant Cheval Blanc like the Cabernet-dominated 2017, but it is a far better wine thanks to the Merlot imparting flesh and rondeur. The finish is extremely precise but never powerful, almost Burgundy-like in weight, with a lightly spiced aftertaste. As the hours pass in the decanter, it gains depth and a little more precision on the finish. This does not possess the otherworldly profundity to equal legends such as the 1934, 1964 or 2016; it is simply a wonderful Cheval Blanc to sit back and savor as a Saint-Émilion par excellence. (Neal Martin, Vinous, March 2021)
— 4 years ago
OK, 5 1/2 years since my last checkin of this SUPER intense Napa Cab made for our dearly-departed friend, former mayor of St. Helena, which was but one of his MANY accomplishments.
SUPER intense, ripe Napa Cabernet, this was what Del Britton loved to drink, and so he had access to some great Napa Cab fruit and had it made to his liking. He SNUCK a case of this into my cellar at a wine group party, I didn’t know I had it until 1-2 weeks later. I miss Del very much, his generosity, wit and kindness were and are still stuff of which legends are made. Thanks Del for the great memories!!
— 5 years ago
The quality of wine at Legends has been very good all things considered. — 4 months ago
Okay, no one is confusing this with a Chateau Margeaux, but that's only because it lacks the really deep complexity. And many other ways, it has the rich depth and smooth tannins and even some of the aromas of the real thing. Lovely one. — 4 years ago
Brick House still doing Gamay as good as any. Legends. — 4 years ago
How is this what they are serving at Legends?
HOW?! — 4 months ago
Euphoria dinner with kenlee Saniya Vikrant Greg Sophia. Honestly could have had a few more years in the bottle. Super vibrant nose, violets leather vanilla herbal. Drinking legends tonight 😂😂 — a year ago
After a little “unfurling”, this nicely concentrated 50% Merlot gem from Long Island legends McCall is elegant to say the least. Mouthfeel is full & silky and the finish is decent but not voluptuous. Dark fruits and a small dusting of herbs from from the shaker give this a little more than one dimension of attack. Very good, but not great. Oak is balanced and integrated acid could give this another 6-10 sold years before declining — 4 years ago
Roberto Carli
First thought is that I lack the vocabulary for this one, as alas, don’t get to try these legends too often. Nose leads with pure smoked meat, cherry-licorice liqueur (without the alcohol whiff) and something I can only call “magical spice concoction” Palate hits first the side with acid freshness (hello! Where did you come from?) then unwinds the long and complex licorice and boysenberry melange that is already approachable with with enough sandiness in the tannins to show higher promise in the future. Texture hits with smoky bacon fat and carried everything for 30 seconds plus — 3 months ago