Black cherry, clove, cedar and dried earth on the nose. Some vanilla and licorice. It's medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Some wet earth. Polished and layered, with wonderful freshness, too. Very tight now.

Yields are down this year at Petit Village. They had a little coulure and battled a serious attack of mildew. Later, winds from the north dehydrated some fruit. In the end, they came in at 35 hectoliters per hectare. A blend of 72% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Petit Village springs from the glass with bold expressions of warm plums, Black Forest cake, black raspberries and kirsch plus hints of rose petals, chocolate box and spearmint. The palate is full and generously fruited with a firm frame of rounded tannins that have just a bit of chew, finishing with soft-spoken freshness and fragrance.

Dark plum and blackberry compote flavors fill this out nicely, while licorice, sweet spice and black tea notes glide in on the back end. Warm stone hint through the finish gives it the slightly austere spine of the vintage. Solidly built. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2034.