Dark fruit, light smoke, bay leaf and vanilla. Some dates. A full-bodied red with velvety texture and firm tannins that melt nicely into the wine. Long, creamy finish with pretty fruit.
by JS, James Suckling , 2021
The 2018 Bonalgue has one of the most backward bouquets that I encountered from the appellation in this vintage from bottle, requiring at least an hour's aeration to reveal blackberry, loamy and truffle scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Here it picks up, offering lively black fruit and fine mineralite on the finish. This is an excellent Bonalgue, a great success for the estate. Just be patient with the aromatics.
by NM, Vinous Media , 2021
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Bonalgue- a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc- rolls effortlessly out of the glass with intense scents of redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie and stewed black plums, plus wafts of mossy tree bark, Sichuan pepper and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black and red berry preserves flavors, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.
by LPB, Wine Advocate , 2021