Country: France

Region: Bordeaux - Saint-Emilion

Vintage: 2018

Cépage: Merlot (85%); Cabernet Franc (10%); Petit Verdot (5%)

Size: 750 ml

Rating(s): 93 (RP); 94 (JD); 92-93 (JS)

" This estate continues to fire on all cylinders, and they're produced a beautiful 2018 Château Badette aged 18 months in 50% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by rock star notes of blueberries, cassis, candied violets, toasty oak, and graphite. Developing plenty of classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality with time in the glass, it's medium to full-bodied and has an elegant, pretty texture, stays light on its feet, yet still has impressive concentration as well as building tannins. Buy a case, give bottles 2-4 years, and enjoy over the following decade or more."

Jeb Dunnuck (JD) - 03/21