2018, Château Teyssier, SAINT-ÉMILION Grand Cru

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc.

The 2018 Teyssier is composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, with a 3.53 pH and 14.8% alcohol. Medium to deep garnet-purple in colour, it comes skipping out of the glass with bright, open, carefree scents of stewed red and black plums, Morello cherries and fruitcake, plus hints of Chinese five spice, bay leaves and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with spicy red and black fruits, supported by chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. 90 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate.

Good bang for your buck at this price level, with its big, rich, juicy and concentrated fruit, although I can detect a trace of heat. 25% malo in new oak, 3.53ph. The yield was around 30hl/ha in 2018, not unusual here. 88 Jane Anson, Decanter.