2018 Chimney Rock Elevage
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Tasting notes
A more Merlot-dominated cuvee, the 2018 Red Blend Elevage checks in 65% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot. Its dense purple color is followed by loads of blackberry and currant-like fruits as well as notes of lavender, sweet tobacco, and chocolate. This rich, full-bodied wine has soft, rounded tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish. I'd be happy to drink a bottle any time over the coming decade.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Red Blend Elevage is fabulous. A burst of sweet red cherry fruit, spice, flowers and blood orange makes a strong first impression. Silky, pliant and wonderfully inviting, Chimney Rock's Elevage is superb in 2018. Drink it over the next decade.
Composed of 65% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Elevage gives up understated notes of baked plums, stewed black cherries and blueberry compote with hints of spice cake, sautéed herbs and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft and juicy, featuring spicy black and blue fruit flavors and an earthy finish.
The 2018 Red Blend Elevage is generous and inviting, with soft contours and silky tannins that push the fruit forward. Super-ripe black cherry, red plum, cedar, tobacco, grilled herbs, smoke, and espresso all meld together in a pretty, succulent Merlot-based blend that will drink well right out of the gate.