This is a very powerful Duhart with blackcurrant and blackberry character. Lots of graphite and black tea. Full-bodied and muscular with lots of formed muscles and great length. Could be best ever?

The 2018 Château Duhart-Milon checks in as a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot that hit 14% alcohol. Beautiful black currants, smoked earth, chocolate, and damp earth notes flow to a medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant Duhart-Milon that has ultra-fine tannins, a weightless texture, terrific balance, and a great finish. Seemingly all about finesse and elegance, it builds nicely on the palate and has a great finish. It should match or exceed the brilliant 2009.

This is a ripe, classic Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine. Its strict initial character blossoms out into rich black-currant flavors that exude class. Backed by acidity and with hints of the wood aging still in place, the wine is just beginning its journey. Drink from 2027.

The 2018 Duhart-Milon is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, with the Cabernet Sauvignon harvested September 25 to October 4 and the Merlot harvested September 17-25, and it has 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with exuberant notes of Black Forest cake, plum preserves and crème de cassis with hints of spice cake, woodsmoke, potpourri and eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and laden with layers of black fruit preserves and spices, it has a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long. Very impressive—the densest, most opulent Duhart I have tasted!

The 2018 Duhart-Milon was helped by light rain on August 28 and September 5 that nudged ripening back on track after a period of drought. It has a very well-defined bouquet of blackberry, bilberry, oyster shells and tobacco, focused and intense. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, but there is real backbone and a wonderful saline finish. Lovely build here, and certainly more substantial than the previous vintage. This is a Duhart-Milon back on form.

Generous in feel, with a light herb note darting amid the rich plum and cassis fruit flavors. Displays the weighty fruit of the vintage, with a background of warm earth and tar details on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Score range: