Blackcurrant, pine cone, walnut, crushed gravel and dried flowers on the nose. It's medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Sleek and refined.

The 2018 Clementin de Pape Clement is so expressive. Crushed rose petal, gravel, spice, tobacco and smoke all open in the glass. Medium in body, with striking aromatic presence and terrific persistence, the 2018 is just impeccable. The Clementin is an understated wine with a ton of character. It's a gorgeous second wine from Pape Clement and Bernard Magrez.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Clementin de Pape Clement strides confidently out of the glass with classic scents of ripe blackcurrants, juicy black plums and cedar chest, plus touches of graphite, bay leaves, unsmoked cigars and espresso. The medium-bodied, elegantly styled palate (13.5% alcohol) has a lot of grace and presence for a second wine, featuring finely grained tannins and seamless freshness to support the bright, black fruit flavors, finishing on a minerally note.

With its structure balanced by textured black-currant fruits and acidity, this is an attractive second wine. Poise and freshness are matched by the tannins and dry core.