Ripe black fruit, clove, licorice, pine and walnut husk on the nose. Bitter chocolate and coffee, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, tight tannins. Muscular and very formed. Energetic and precise with long, chewy layers and lots of depth, structure and polish. Superb. Needs time. Try from 2026

One of the most seamless, ethereal wines in the vintage, the 2018 Château La Fleur-Petrus checks in as 91% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot coming from a 45-acre vineyard of deep clay and gravelly soils located on the upper plateau of Pomerol. The vines average 35 years in age, and the élevage spans 16-18 months in 50% new French oak. Unquestionably in the same league as Trotanoy, Le Gay, Lafleur, Hosanna, and the other leviathans of the region, its deep purple hue is followed by a gorgeously layered, multi-dimensional 2018 with full-bodied aromas and flavors of black raspberry and blackcurrant fruits intermixed with spring flowers, dried herbs, and a hint of white truffle. Medium to full-bodied, with stunning symmetry and balance, its tannins are ripe and polished, and it has nicely integrated acidity as well as a great finish. It should drink well for another 20-25 years.

A blend of 91% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2018 la Fleur-Petrus has a medium garnet-purple color and a slightly closed-down nose to begin, soon unfurling to reveal earthy notions of black truffles, mossy tree bark and damp soil, over a core of plum preserves, wild blueberries and redcurrants, plus a fragrant waft of menthol lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate has the most gorgeous, velvety texture with well-knit freshness giving lift to the densely packed black fruit and earthy layers, finishing with a beguiling perfume. Stunning. Give it a good 3-4 years in bottle and drink it over the next 30 years or more.

Situated on some of the finest terroir in Pomerol, this estate has produced a powerful while impressively subtle wine. Black fruits, rich tannins and strength come together in a wine that is much more than its elements. Aging will bring out the wine's character. Drink from 2027.

This offers a dark hued mix of plum, blackberry and black currant fruit that rolls through, unwinding to show anise, warm stone and tobacco notes as it does. Savory- and dark earth-tinged finish echoes lengthily. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2036. 3,165 cases made.