A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Leydet Valentin gives up notions of baked cherries, warm plums and mulberries with hints of Indian spices, tobacco and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of fine-grained tannins and great tension, it finishes on a lingering mineral note.

The 2018 Leydet Valentin offers an enticing mélange of ripe dark berry fruit laced with bright aromatics that add freshness. Inky blue/purplish berries, lavender, spice, mint and mocha flesh out over time. Pliant, silky and inviting Leydet Valentin has much to offer. Drink this mid-weight Saint-Emilion over the next decade or so, but give it a bit of time to soften first.

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.

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. Drink this still-structured wine from 2023.

Warmed plum and cherry preserve flavors glide through easily, laced with hints of cocoa, tobacco and singed cedar. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2023. 2,500 cases made, 280 cases imported.