The 2018 Badette comes from the lieu-dit Badette in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. The Blend is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The wine is aging in 50% new and 50% second year oak barrels and the estimated aging regimen will run 18 months. With 14% alcohol and a deep purple-black color, it sings of crushed blueberries, warm plums and chocolate-covered cherries with a cedar-kissed undercurrent and loads of exotic spice sparks—cassis, fenugreek and star anise—plus a waft of forest floor. Full-bodied and richly fruited in the mouth, it has a wonderful line of freshness, with finely grained tannins and a long, mineral-tinged finish.
93-95 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Issue # Interim - Apr 2019)
From an estate purchased in 2012 by Belgian wine merchant Marc Vandenbogaerde, the 2018 Château Badette checks in as a rough blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot that will see 18 months in 50% new French oak. It’s an elegant, medium to full-bodied Saint-Émilion that has a beautiful perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, spicy wood, and earth. It’s perfectly balanced, has subtle minerality, and a great finish, all making for a stunning 2018 that’s going to impress for over two decades.
92-94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2019)
A tight and polished red with dark-berry, chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium body, refined tannins and a flavorful finish.
92-93 points, James Suckling (Apr 2019)
The 2018 Badette is a gorgeous wine that shows the richer, darker side of Saint-Émilion off to great effect. Black cherry, plum, sweet oak chocolate, new leather, spice and menthol infuse this brooding, potent Saint-Émilion. Badette is not shy by any means, but it has a ton of character. The oak needs time to settle, and yet the wine appears to have the fruit richness to handle it. The blend is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.
90-93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Apr 2019)