Intense aromas of plum, mushroom and orange peel follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a tight, linear finish. Nice spice and cedar at the end. Try after 2023.
92 points, James Suckling (Jan 2021)
The 2018 Balestard La Tonnelle is a super-attractive, lithe Saint-Émilion lifted by gorgeous aromatics. Crushed raspberry, sweet red cherry, spice, blood orange, cedar and spice are all laced together in this delightful 2018. All the elements are impeccably balanced. Balestard La Tonnelle is one of the more understated wines of the year on the Right Bank.
91 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2021)
Soft, fruity and already delicious, this wine is open and only lightly structured. An attractive wine with black-currant flavors, it’s fresh with balanced acidity. Drink from 2024.
90 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (May 2021)