Château La Tour-Figeac, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé (Bordeaux, France) 2018

 Saint Emilion is among the most productive of all Bordeaux appellations and a source of some outstanding wines in the 2018 vintage.  Château La Tour-Figeac is one of sixty or so estates with the Grand Cru Classé designation.  Located between Châteaux Cheval-Blanc and Figeac, La Tour Figeac comes from a very fine neighborhood indeed.  Until 1879, in fact, the estate was part of Figeac.  Their 2018 is one of the best renditions of the past few decades.  It shows a classic Saint Emilion style with black cherry, blackberry and a touch of red cherry fruit aromas enhanced by elements of roasted coffee, cocoa, violets, herbs and toasty oak.  A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, it displays flavors that are round, elegant and supple, with layers of plush black and red fruits interwoven with the herb, vanilla, cocoa and spice tones.  The wine exhibits a harmonious style even in its youth, and the 2018 Château La Tour-Figeac will provide delicious drinking for the next twenty years and beyond.