The 2018 Poesia has a beautifully defined bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and crushed stone aromas, the terroir filtering through nicely; its limestone soils impart tension that counterbalances the richness. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, yet paradoxically, they exert noticeable grip. Complex on the finish, this lingers in the mouth and its salinity beckons you to take another sip. Superb. Tasted at the Poesia vertical in Saint-Émilion.

Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Poesia has a medium to deep garnet-purple color, exploding from the glass with bombastic notes of chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and blueberry pie, plus hints of pencil shavings, kirsch, garrigue and Chinese five spice. The medium to full-bodied palate is beautifully balanced, featuring bags of bright, perfumed black fruit and cheery red berry sparks, supported by plush tannins, finishing long and mineral laced.

A wine that always seems to deliver, the 2018 Château Poesia emerges from the Garcin-Lévêque family and is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Rocking levels of black raspberries, blackberries, mulled currants, loamy soil, and graphite all emerge from this beauty, which is medium to full-bodied and has an elegant yet concentrated mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's already hard to resist, yet its classic Saint-Emilion minerality (which gives it a terrific sense of freshness) as well as ripe yet present tannins all point toward a solid two decades or more of prime drinking.

Ripe and forward, with plum and cherry preserve flavors laced with a licorice streak and backed by light tobacco and chalky mineral hints on the finish. Nicely done. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2,916 cases made.