2018 Les Asteries
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The 2018 Les Asteries has straightforward bouquet of black cherries mixed with iodine, a little more floral than 12 months ago, though I would like to see more complexity (as I did out of barrel). The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, demonstrating more flesh and depth than the Pontet Labrie, well-judged acidity and good grip on the finish, which finally reveals the complexity that Les Asteries can produce. Maybe it is just a question of time (as Depeche Mode once sang), so give it 3–4 years in bottle.
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
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The 2018 Les Astéries comes from more hard-packed limestone soils, so this cuvée tends to be one of the more mineral-driven, backward, structured wines in the lineup, and the 2018 is no exception. Dense purple-hued, with a powerful nose of blackcurrants, plums, candied violets, dark chocolate, and scorched earth, it hits the palate with a massive amount of chalky, mineral-like nuances as well as medium to full-bodied richness, terrific overall balance, lots of tannins, and a great finish. A blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc brought up in 80% new barrels, hide bottles for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following 20-25 years. This is pure, classic, limestone and mineral-driven Saint-Emilion.
The 2018 Les Astéries is a rich, heady wine that marries fruit richness with energy, a super appealing combination, in my book. Succulent red-toned fruit, lavender, rose petal, new oak and chocolate all flesh out as this expressive, deep Saint-Émilion shows off its allure.