"A blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, aged in 100% new oak for 18 months, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos St Julien comes skipping out of the glass with cheery notions of kirsch, plum pudding, wild blueberries and Black Forest cake, plus an undercurrent of cedar chest, cinnamon stick and clove oil. The rich, densely packed, full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) coats the mouth with spicy black fruit preserves, framed by firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and a little woody. Give it a good 5 years for the wood to fully marry and drink it over the next 15 years or more."
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW 94+ Punkte (März 2021)
 
"Catherine Papon-Nouvel, the owner/winemaker at Petit Gravet Aîné, owns this 1.2-hectare vineyard situated just west of Château Soutard atop the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion. The 40-year-old vineyard is certified organic, and yields in 2018 were 37 hectoliters per hectare. Aging is in 100% new barrels for an estimated 18 months. From the Gaudet and Le Jardin lieux-dits and blended of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos St Julien saunters languorously out of the glass with notions of baked blueberries, spice cake and plum preserves plus hints of mocha, Christmas cake and sautéed herbs. Full, rich and decadent, it has tons of spicy sparks and a plush texture, finishing with a refreshing lift. About 5,000 bottles will be produced."
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW 92-94 Punkte (Apr. 2019)
Quelle: www.robertparker.com