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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Rich, ripe nose but quite austere on the palate. Tannins trump fruit here. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Composed of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Alcee charges out of the gate with bold notions of stewed black cherries, blackberry preserves and fruitcake, plus hints of cinnamon toast, licorice and tobacco leaf with a waft of camphor. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of ripe black fruit flavors with a velvety texture and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.
The 2018 Alcée, the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux from Nicolas Thienpont, has a rather thick, dense bouquet of opulent blackberry and cassis fruit. It is certainly the most sumptuous of Thienpont’s wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins that frame layers of tar- and tobacco-infused black fruit. Dichotomous to the nose, the finish comes across as structured and a little more austere in style. I appreciate the focus and spiciness of this Alcée, which deserves 2–3 years in bottle. Very fine, if a bit like a jigsaw puzzle: you have to put it together in your mind!