Aromas of blackberries, blueberries and fresh herbs follow through to a full body with lots of ripe fruit and a long, flavorful finish. A little warm and slightly bitter at the end. But it shows structure and intensity. Mostly cabernet sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage in the 2018 Le Petit Haut Lafitte. A powerful, deep wine, the 2018 possesses terrific energy as well as a good deal of Cabernet savoriness. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a few years as it is tightly wound today. Black cherry, blackberry jam, cloves, licorice and chocolate give this imposing red a real feeling of somber intensity.

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot matured in 20% new barriques, the 2018 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notions of crushed black plums, fresh blackberries and mulberries with wafts of dark chocolate, cinnamon stick and unsmoked cigars, plus a waft of bouquet garni. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.

Ripe and inviting, with waves of crushed plum, blackberry and black currant fruit coursing along, inlaid with a tarry spine and backed by anise, applewood and alder through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2033.