The 2018 Fonbadet is superb. Classically elegant and refined, the 2018 graces the palate with exquisite finesse right out of the gate. Red berry, floral, blood orange and minty flavors convey freshness as the 2018 opens in the glass. Bright acids perk up the nuanced, persistent finish. Readers won't find too many 2018s that are this delicate, sensual and flat-out charming.

The 2018 Château Fonbadet is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 25% Merlot, all brought up in 50% new French oak. It has a closed, tight, yet promising style that carries lots of darker berry fruits, scorched earth, graphite, and mineral-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's beautifully balanced and has lots of fine-grained tannins, solid mid-palate depth, and a great finish. Still holding things relatively close to its vest, it's going to benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and aged in 50% new oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Fonbadet rolls effortless out of the glass with evocative scents of stewed black plums, blackcurrant cordial and chocolate-covered cherries, with wafts of cedar chest, star anise and cinnamon stick. The medium to full-bodied palate coats the mouth with spicy black fruits, supported by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory.