This vintage, like 2016 or 2010, once again showcases the outstanding terroir that we have at La Garde. The diversity of soils, particularly the spectacular deep gravel slope named “le plateau”, is famous among our pairs, and our pride for 29 years. The wines are intensely colored, the tannins both rich and sweet. It’s the gem to discover in this appellation.
TASTING NOTES:
An outstanding Graves, the 2018 Château La Garde reveals a dense purple hue as well as impressive blueberry and black cherry fruits intermixed with tobacco, cedary spice, and dried herbs. Beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, with notable purity as well as building, ripe tannins, it's going to benefit from just a couple of years in the cellar and drink nicely for 10-12 years.
- Jeb Dunnuck, 92 pts.
Very beautiful aromas of blackberries and crushed stones with hints of dried flowers. It’s full-bodied with soft, creamy tannins that are softly knit. Round, creamy finish. Drink after 2023.
- James Suckling, 92 pts.
Still young this wine has good potential. Richly textured and balanced lemon and tropical fruits are lifted by subtle wood aging. It is a ripe wine, ready for further aging. Drink from 2023. Thiénot USA.
- Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts.
This shows a juicy, open-knit mix of sweet bay, savory, red currant and cherry reduction aromas and flavors, with a tarry streak holding down the back end. A little cellaring will tame its gutsy side. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2030.
- Wine Spectator, 92 pts.
The La Garde vineyard has one north-facing gravel slope and one south-facing clay-limestone slope, giving the estate a good balance of ripening dates in most vintages. In another sign of how unusual 2018 was, both Cabernet and Merlot on these different slopes ripened at the same time, so they were co-fermented in one tank. Unusual for sure, but the result is excellent. They do such a good job here of making accessible but polished and elegant Pessacs. This is smooth, ripe and welcoming, with a seductive expansion through the mid-palate that emphasises the creamy texture of the fruits. Definitely as good as the 2016, maybe better.
Barrel Sample
- Decanter, 91 pts.
