The 2018 Haut-Brisson is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and has 14.6% alcohol. It was aged for around 18 months in oak barrels, 35% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, it prances out of the glass with flamboyant scents of Black Forest cake, blueberry preserves and Christmas pudding, plus touches of black truffles, licorice and fragrant earth. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of spicy black fruit preserves, framed by soft tannins and a racy backbone of freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note.