Showing even better from bottle than barrel, the 2018 Château Le Bon Pasteur is a sexy, opulent beauty that just begs to be drunk. Gorgeous black and blue fruits, white truffle, green tobacco, flowery incense, and damp earth give way to a full-bodied, textured, luscious Pomerol with ripe, velvety tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. Reminding me of the 2012,as well as a little of the 2009, this is a knockout 2018 to drink over the coming 20+ years.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Bon Pasteur (composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) has a very pretty nose of cherry cordial, black raspberries and stewed plums with hints of potpourri, tobacco leaf, allspice and tree bark. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers soft, ripe tannins and bags of juicy black and red berry flavors, finishing with great length and loads of savory nuances.