“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Boutisse comes out of the glass with exuberant notes of baked black plums, boysenberries and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of rose hip tea, fragrant soil, cinnamon stick and star anise. The full-bodied palate is rich and oh-so-plush, featuring a fantastic backbone of freshness and loads of spicy sparks to complement the black and red berry preserves, finishing long and mineral tinged. Beautiful.”

The 2018 Boutisse is every bit as compelling as it was en primeur. Racy red berry fruit, mint, rose petal, mocha and blood orange lend brightness and energy. Medium in body and pliant, with refined tannins, the 2018 hits all the right notes. This is such a racy, finessed Saint-Émilion. It will drink well with minimal cellaring.

Coming from the upper limestone plateau of Saint-Emilion and largely Merlot, the 2018 Château Boutisse reveals a deep ruby/plum hue as well as a rich, full-bodied, decadent style that's already a joy to drink. Mulled black cherries, licorice, chocolate, graphite, and chocolaty minerality all define the nose, and it has building yet ripe tannins, a great mid-palate, and one heck of a lengthy finish. It's every bit as good as the 2016, if not better. Readers looking for a gem of a Saint-Emilion that will deliver the goods over the coming 10-15 years won't regret buying this.

The two Milhade siblings have produced a rich, many-layered wine. With dense tannins balanced by equally intense fruit, this Merlot-based wine is concentrated. Black fruits, acidity and layers of tannins need time to come together. Drink from 2025.

Polished and direct, with a beam of plum sauce and black licorice notes carried by a light graphite edge through to the tobacco-tinged finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Drink now through 2025. 6,000 cases made, 850 cases imported.