2018 Château la Prade

Aromas of blackberries and orange peel with some stones follow through to a medium to full body with firm tannins and a creamy-textured finish. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. Drink after 2022. (01/2021)

A blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc brought up in 50% new oak, the 2018 Château La Prade offers a ripe, up-front, impressively textured, medium-bodied style with plenty of darker, blue-tinged fruits, notes of tobacco and cedar, sumptuous, fruit-forward flavors, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This is another undeniably delicious 2018 that's going to drink nicely for 8-10 years. (03/2021)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Prade (88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc) leaps from the glass with vivacious notes of ripe, juicy black plums, Morello cherries and boysenberries, plus suggestions of crushed rocks, bouquet garni and lavender with an earthy hint of wild mushrooms. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy. A wine with a lot of personality and backbone, it's delicious now but should also cellar gracefully over the next 15+ years. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (04/2021)