Lafleur cellar master Omri Ram called Cheval Blanc “one of the best wines of the vintage”, but his Lafleur should make any top wine list from 2018 barrel tastings. Gravel soils with clay could make you think that the wine may have been “hotter” in expression, too, but the nose is noble and conveys elegance, iodine, and complexity. Intensity and power, too, yet poised and even tightly knit. I sensed just a touch of warmth on the finish. What reassures is the fresh, crushed mint at the finish, with good acidity to balance the 14.5% alcohol. A brilliant wine, where the Cabernet Franc (54% of the blend) is so fresh and refined.

Score: 97-100