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.