Chateau Pailhas Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, 2018

Made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, and aged for 12-18 months in new French Oak, this is a classic Saint-Emilion Bordeaux. It shows very youthful, woody tannins that are delicious now, but only show extreme promise to come. On the palate it is full of cooked strawberries and blackberries, black plum, and green bell pepper, layered with vanilla and clove from the expressive young oak barrels. The wine may be cellared for the next couple decades, or decanted and enjoyed now with lamb burgers.