Siran 2018

Another impressive Margaux in this vintage. It's a big wine with real structure and ageing ability, but it isn't too tight and is not too obviously pushing its agenda. This is a lovely Siran packed full of tannins, fruit and acidity - the triumvirate. It has excellent mouthfilling blackberry and pepper notes, with a pretty high kick of acidity on the finish, marked by its Petit Verdot. Harvest ran from 20 September to 13 October, with a yield of 45hl/ha. It is planned to age the 2018 in 35% new oak for 12 months. 1% Cabernet Franc makes up the blend.Drinking Window 2025 - 2038

Tasted blind. Perfume. Then sweet and round. Grabs attention. Quite ambitious but also Margaux-like. Grainy finish. 14.5%Drink 2026 – 2040

45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc; 35% new oak. Barrel sample. Black as the ace of spades. Lifted and fragrant with sweet blueberry fruit. Really pretty and inviting, just a hint of vanilla sweetness. On the palate, firmer and drier but it’s a complete whole and gently handled, the tannins smooth though compact and slightly blocky at the moment. (JH) 14%Drink 2026-2033

The 2018 Siran, picked from September 20 until October 18, is raised in around 33% new oak (as usual). It clearly possesses more fruit concentration than the previous vintage, presenting aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry and veins of blue fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and better weight and body than the 2017. The texture is a little grainy at the moment, but there is plenty of freshness on the pliant finish. Edouard Miailhe has overseen a very fine Margaux that will offer 20 years of drinking pleasure. 2022 - 2040

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Siran opens with quietly spoken notions of baked blackberries, blackcurrant cordial and bay leaves with hints of scorched earth, tar and tobacco. The full-bodied palate is restrained and elegantly played with subtle earth layers among the black fruit and a solid foundation of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with earth and mineral nuances.