Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

2018
Leydet-Valentin
France
Bordeaux

Frederic Leydet's vines for this wine are just near the border of Cheval Blanc, sharing a similar soil distinguished by its iron content. The iron in the soil is particularly good for growing Cabernet Franc, and it's the reason the Leydet works with a rather high percentage of it in comparison to others in the appellation. The final blend is 83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc for the 2018 vintage. Leydet always makes the wines without any racking, fining, or filtration, giving a super classic Bordeaux. The winery is certified organic. The 2018 is dark in color, pure, vibrant and savory. Even though this has the structure to age, the wine is very open and drinking well in its youth.

91-93+ points
"The deep garnet colored 2018 givers up notions of baked cherries, warm plums and mulberries with hints of Indian spices, tobacco and iron ore. Medium to full bodied wit a firm frame of fine grains tannins and great tension, it finishes on a lingering mineral note."
Lisa Perrotti-Brown,
Wine Advocate
92 points
"Lots of spice, cedar pencil, candied flowers, and toasty notes emerge from the 2018 Château Leydet-Valentin, and it's medium to full-bodied, rich, and mouthfilling on the palate, with ripe, nicely integrated tannins. I love the overall balance, and it has plenty of mid-palate depth, loads of sweet fruit, and a great finish. It's a beautiful, certainly outstanding, Saint-Emilion to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years."
Jeb Dunnuck
March 2021
92 points
"The 2018 Leydet-Valentin is jammy, inky and absolutely delicious. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, espresso, menthol and licorice infuse this sumptuous, super expressive Saint-Emilion. All the elements are in the right place. The 2028 should drink well right out of the gate. There is much to admire in this plush, creamy Saint-Emilion."
Antonio Galloni,
Vinous Media
March 2021
92 points
"A firm, chewy red with blackberry, wet-hearth and mushroom character. It’s medium-bodied, intact and fine. Chewy at the end. Really well done."
jamessuckling.com,
James Suckling
92 points
"Floral, fresh, spicy, roasted cherry filled wine with a plush, silky, dark plum finish."
Jess Leve,
The Wine Cellar Insider
March 2021
91 points
"Slender with plenty of fruits and with touches of spic- es, this wine is charming and deep, distinguished sen- sation in palate as the alcohol and body are bal- anced by the freshness of the tannins."
Bettane & Desseauve
90 points
"Ripe black fruits and dark-chocolate flavors highlight this powerful wine. There’s a bit of pepperiness from the alcohol, while freshness comes from the black-currant acidity."
R. Voss,
Wine Enthusiast

SKU/Code: 
DB9760-18
Product Line: 
National Portfolio
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
Merlot
Farming Type: 
Organic
Tech Sheet: 
PDF icon DB9760-18.pdf