Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Bonalgue-a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc-rolls effortlessly out of the glass with intense scents of redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie and stewed black plums, plus wafts of mossy tree bark, Sichuan pepper and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black and red berry preserves flavors, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

The 2018 Bonalgue is a succulent, juicy Pomerol that will drink beautifully right out of the gate. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, spice and new leather all meld together, all framed by silky, ripe tannins that add raciness. The 2018 is not hugely complex, but it is immensely delicious and ready to provide plenty of pleasure right now.

A big, rich, powerful Pomerol, the 2018 Château Bonalgue offers lots of smoky black and blue fruits, notes of violets, cedary pencil, and damp earth, medium-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and solid, chocolaty background oak. It benefits from air, has beautiful purity of fruit, and is going to improve with 3-4 years of bottle age. It should drink well through 2033.