La Prade Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux 2018

93-95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "This is 88% Merlot, picked September 25th and the 27th, then October 3rd and the 4th, and 12% Cabernet Franc, picked October 5th. The yield was 31 hl/ha from 6.8 hectares of vines. Dark and lightly roasted black cherry fruit on the nose, showing a sweet intensity, with notes of dark soy, black bean and liquorice. The same sweet depth of black fruits shine on the palate, fresh and pure, certainly showing a quite substantial weight, brimming with grilled and crushed fruits, and spiced with a lightly peppery energy and fine grip. Grippy, with lots of velvety, rich, tightly grained tannins, and a correspondingly firm finish. Impressive. (Apr 2019)"

93 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Cocoa, black raspberries, truffle, herbs and dusty red berries are found on the nose and palate. Soft and stony, with a strong mineral essence, this needs just a couple of years before it is ready to unfurl. If you are seeking value Bordeaux and you're not familiar with La Prade -- get to know this wine, which is made from 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. (Mar 2021)"

93 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "This is great value here from a property that’s almost all on the limestone plateau whereas sibling estate Puygueraud has more clay in its soils, and you feel it in the different expressions of the vintage in both wines. In this one you get a touch more chalk and lightness to the tannins, a touch more salinity on the finish, and it's altogether a fruit-forward but succulent and supple wine. Drinking Window: 2021-2032. (3/31/19)"

92 points James Suckling: "Aromas of blackberries and orange peel with some stones follow through to a medium to full body with firm tannins and a creamy-textured finish. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. Drink after 2022. (1/20/21)"

91 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 La Prade is rich, explosive and just gorgeous. Inky dark cherry, mocha, spice, rose petal and blood orange all build as this sumptuous, bold Côtes de Francs. The 2018 captures the richness of the vintage and yet retains terrific energy. La Prade has come together so beautifully over the last two years. It's a winner from Nicolas Thienpont. Drink: 2023-2033. (Mar 2021)"

91 points Jeb Dunnuck: "A blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc brought up in 50% new oak, the 2018 Château La Prade offers a ripe, up-front, impressively textured, medium-bodied style with plenty of darker, blue-tinged fruits, notes of tobacco and cedar, sumptuous, fruit-forward flavors, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This is another undeniably delicious 2018 that's going to drink nicely for 8-10 years. Drink: 2021-2031. (3/11/21)"