2018 Deyrem-Valentin
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Deyrem Valentin has a more bullish and extravagant bouquet than the 2019. It builds confidence in the glass with kirsch, orange peel and wild strawberry scents. The palate is well balanced with plush, ripe, sweet tannins, although the 2019 has more complexity and grip on the finish. Thoroughly enjoyable now, and it should drink well over the next decade.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Cru bourgeois supérieur. 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. 15 months in barrel, 50% new. Deep crimson. Fragrant with cassis, a touch of cedar and lightly peppery. The oak shows more on the palate but it's fully integrated with the fruit and freshness. Long finish. Tannins are fine and the whole is quite light bodied, certainly not fleshy. A little bit of heat on the finish. (JH)
The 2018 Deyrem Valentin is very perfumed on the nose, offering blackberry, blueberry, touches of violet petal and light incense aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, a silky-smooth texture and a vibrant, minerally finish that lingers. This is a gorgeous, finely tuned and precise Margaux that is going to give 20 years of drinking pleasure.
The 2018 Château Deyrem Valentin is another solid Margaux, offering a perfumed, sweet bouquet of black raspberries, red plums, vanilla bean, tobacco, and Christmas spice. It's nicely textured, medium-bodied, and has plenty of fruit and richness as well as balance. It's already drinking nicely, yet I see no reason it wouldn't keep for 10-12 years or more. I'd be happy to drink a bottle.