Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 86
The 2018 Caronne Ste Gemme is an Haut-Medoc that felt a little green when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle, the aromatics appear to have gained more composure and harmony, offering cedar-infused black fruit while tempering the exoticism of yore. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate weight and fine, grippy tannins. There is less of that green edge toward the finish, although it still feels a little rustic and lacks real complexity. I know that this estate can produce better.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2030
Wine Advocate 87
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Caronne Ste Gemme strides confidently from the glass with classic notes of cassis, blackberry pie and baked plums, plus there are wafts of pencil shavings, menthol and damp soil. The medium-bodied palate delivers plenty of dried herbs-laced black fruits, supported by chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2028
JancisRobinson.com 16+
Full bottle 1,241 g. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Yield 46 hl/ha. Vines just 100 m south of St-Julien. Gravel on iron-rich sandstone or clay. Vines aged 30 years. Harvesting is 50/50 manual and machine. Fermented in tank, up to 3 weeks on the skins. 12 months in French oak, 25% new.
Deep crimson. Rather subdued at first, black fruit and light spice, almost smoky but also with a top note that is floral, like lavender – just the merest hint. Rich, thickly rounded tannins, velvet-like but deep. Full of fruit that makes me think of the colour purple. The alcohol is well integrated and it s a rich but not heavy wine. Long and chewy on the finish and just fresh enough. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2032
