Blackcurrant, blueberry, praline, chocolate and hazelnut aromas. Crushed stone, too. It is full-bodied with firm, powdery tannins. Rich and concentrated with creamy, velvety layers of ripe blue and black fruit. Toffee and chocolate notes linger.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Taillefer has a profound licorice and Black Forest cake-scented nose with a core of plum preserves, baked blueberries and mocha. Full-bodied and generously fruited in the mouth, it has a solid, plush texture and just enough freshness, finishing with great length.

This is perhaps a little on the austere side at this stage, more floral than fruity but hugely enjoyable with firm, bright fruits, touches of raspberry leaf and white pepper and an almost truffle edging - it has a real kick and sense of vitality. The new generation are in place at Taillefer and it's an estate that is definitely worth getting behind, making increasingly good wines in a sector of the appellation that has always been a little lighter-framed. 40% new oak was used. A yield of 32hl/ha.