Author Jeff Leve

2018 is a complicated vintage for dry white Bordeaux wines, due to the very dry, hot, sunny conditions. But there are a few nice surprises worth checking out!

At their best, 2018 Saint Emilion are deeply colored. They are concentrated, ripe, opulent and velvety on the palate. Many are alcoholic. But the top estates held everything in check, maintaining balance between ripeness and freshness.

2018 Pomerol produced some of the best wines of the vintage. They are concentrated with opulent, velvet drenched textures, purity of fruit, length and freshness. The best wines are bottled decadence.

The quality and style vary widely with 2018 Haut Medoc wines. Still, there are some very nice wines from the lesser appellations of the Left Bank, which will sell for fair prices and most will drink well young. will be ready to drink on release, or with just a year of two of aging.

At their best, 2018 Pessac Leognan are deeply colored, concentrated, opulently textured, aromatic and alcoholic, with freshness due to their acidity levels. Think of a new and improved version of 2009.