Château Villemaurine
St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé Red Bordeaux Blend
St. Émilion, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
2018 vintage. Owned by Belgian Justin Onclin, consulted by Hubert de Boüard. A spectacular effort. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Classy nose with ripe red fruit, flowers and subtle cedar wood. Concentrated and very elegant, impressive depth, beautifully balanced with perfectly integrated alcohol (abv. 15 %) and a knock-out finish. Definitely up to Premier Grand Cru level. Highly recommended.
2018 vintage. Owned by Belgian Justin Onclin, consulted by Hubert de Boüard. A spectacular effort. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Classy nose with ripe red fruit, flowers and subtle cedar wood. Concentrated and very elegant, impressive depth, beautifully balanced with perfectly integrated alcohol (abv. 15 %) and a knock-out finish. Definitely up to Premier Grand Cru level. Highly recommended.
Feb 28th, 2021
2018 vintage. Last tasted 4.12.2022 with same score. Dropped some of the astringency and gained a bit of richness in the frontal palate. Still nicely balanced and a great value. 5.20.23.
2018 vintage. Last tasted 4.12.2022 with same score. Dropped some of the astringency and gained a bit of richness in the frontal palate. Still nicely balanced and a great value. 5.20.23.
May 21st, 2023Leather, pepper, blackberry, and green bell pepper. Earthy and rich.
Leather, pepper, blackberry, and green bell pepper. Earthy and rich.
Sep 10th, 20222018 vintage. Last tasted 2.17.22 with four other tastings since 6.1.21. Prunes and a mix of chocolates in the nose. Medium body. Still pretty astringent with an overt chalkiness and tobacco notes on the finish. Normally, that would be too much to overcome, but the Hollywoodesque fruit rushes in to save the palate at the last moment and preserve a loong and delicious finish.
2018 vintage. Last tasted 2.17.22 with four other tastings since 6.1.21. Prunes and a mix of chocolates in the nose. Medium body. Still pretty astringent with an overt chalkiness and tobacco notes on the finish. Normally, that would be too much to overcome, but the Hollywoodesque fruit rushes in to save the palate at the last moment and preserve a loong and delicious finish.
Apr 12th, 20222018 vintage. Last had two months ago. Fattened up on the finish a bit; not nearly as lean as it was even in December 2021. Fleshy in all the right places and smoother than previously noted. Still a 9.4, just a different 9.4.
2018 vintage. Last had two months ago. Fattened up on the finish a bit; not nearly as lean as it was even in December 2021. Fleshy in all the right places and smoother than previously noted. Still a 9.4, just a different 9.4.
Feb 18th, 20222018 vintage…again. Nose initially had elements of baby diapers but that (fortunately) blew off quickly. Stabilized to the plum/nut/saline aromas. Medium body. A little Syrah texture here and there and beyond respectable tannins. Coffee grounds, blue fruit, tobacco and baking chocolate pay their respects on the almost über-astringent finish. Really youthful but in balance now. Nicely made. Tasting for the fourth time in six months and consistent throughout. Underrated.
2018 vintage…again. Nose initially had elements of baby diapers but that (fortunately) blew off quickly. Stabilized to the plum/nut/saline aromas. Medium body. A little Syrah texture here and there and beyond respectable tannins. Coffee grounds, blue fruit, tobacco and baking chocolate pay their respects on the almost über-astringent finish. Really youthful but in balance now. Nicely made. Tasting for the fourth time in six months and consistent throughout. Underrated.
Dec 18th, 20212018 vintage. Tasted a month ago and same notes still hold true. Muscular in spots and pretty in others. Overall, clocks in as a well-made, interesting effort that should be at/near its best in approx 12-15 years.
2018 vintage. Tasted a month ago and same notes still hold true. Muscular in spots and pretty in others. Overall, clocks in as a well-made, interesting effort that should be at/near its best in approx 12-15 years.
Oct 17th, 20212018 vintage. Mint, cinnamon, molasses, spent coffee grounds, cassis and orange peel compose the bouquet. Medium body but medium/big tannins. Orange-based tea and earthy finish. Meanders in an endearing manner with just enough richness to coat and mitigate multiple astringent flavors…and ultimately…comes into focus pushing a really delicious balance. Ignore at your own peril/price point.
2018 vintage. Mint, cinnamon, molasses, spent coffee grounds, cassis and orange peel compose the bouquet. Medium body but medium/big tannins. Orange-based tea and earthy finish. Meanders in an endearing manner with just enough richness to coat and mitigate multiple astringent flavors…and ultimately…comes into focus pushing a really delicious balance. Ignore at your own peril/price point.
Sep 12th, 2021
