2018 Bordeaux, help!

[Gerry M.]

NH has finally received most of its 2018 allocations and with a sale going on I'd like to add a few to the cellar. Frankly, I'm a little hesitant. Initially I was hearing how great a vintage but over time I'm fearing it's more like 2003 with excessive ripeness, over extraction, etc. Should I just wait for 2019's to show up or are there some stand 2018's I shoild jump on? Are there any standouts?

[Claudius2]

Gerry
I am rather scared off by the high alcohol of this vintage and unlike some others here, never liked 2003 which to my palate tasted too much like a hot area wine from Australia or California.

I did buy one case of St Emilions to at least have something to try in the fullness of time but rather than 2018 I’ve back filled on 2014 and 2016 and went long on 2019.

A few others here like 2018 so don’t just rely on my view but it does depend on your palate. I keep getting offers on 2018 every day or so quoting huge points from the usual suspects but I’m getting somewhat tired of high points - too many PRJnr points for warm area Shiraz in the 90s and 00s was too much for me.

Cheers
Mark

[JimHow]

I’m generally taking a pass on 2018 Gerry but I did like the Langoa Barton I bought in NH.

[Musigny 151]

The few 2018s I have tasted suggest a fairly ripe, opulent vintage. I have bought a few, but because I bought a ton of 2019, which were cheaper and apparently less big (I tasted a couple of samples, and nothing in bottle.)


Now that most 2019 prices are beginning to catch up, it becomes a question of buying for quality rather than price and quality. And of course taste. You do have some interesting choices ranging from the seriously classical 2014, which are still a little underpriced, the brilliant 2016 which are not, and 2015 and 2018 which are on the ripe side.

If you do want 2019, Palmer is still a bargain, and I always buy VCC, perennially one of the greats.

[William P]

I have consumed a few 2018s. While the the sample size is relatively small, I too came to the conclusion that the wines very ripe. No doubt, some will love that style.

Bill

[Gerry M.]

Thank you everyone for your comments. It confirms my suspicions. The only 2003 I really liked was Leoville Barton. The rest, including Poyferre and Pontet Canet, were not my cup of tea.

I did see the Langoa Barton and may pick up a couple and also Leoville Barton if I see it. It's a good opportunity to backfill and maybe pay some attention to other areas.

[JimHow]

Gerry, these wines are VERY high in alcohol. Not my cup of tea. Not buying any more. Yuck. Too much drama.