In terms of 2018 Alsace wines, the dry white wines are beautiful and the most renowned estates (such as Albert Mann) have been impressed by the fruit quality during the harvest that has been processed even earlier than in 2003 and 2015.
Thanks to a homogeneous ripeness accorss the vineyards and a timely mid-october fog, the Alsace region is expecting to produce some exceptional 2018 Late-Harvest (Vendanges Tardives), and 2018 Noble Rot Selection (Selectiion de Grains Nobles). According to professional wine tastings, the 2018 Late Harvest wines should be very complex and well-balanced, as there were during the greatest vintages in the 80s and 90s. Hence, they will need to be cellared to reach their peak. the 2018 Rhone white wines offer a wide range of aromas and the 2018 Rhone red wines are tannic, full-bodied and velvety. Globally, the ripeness has been reached timely and homogeneously in all the northern Rhone valley, leading viticulturists to harvest simultaneously their grapes from Crozes Hermitage, Cote Rotie, Saint Joseph and Hermitage, just after the grapes from Condrieu. The wines produced in Cornas are mainly of consistent quality, especially for those coming from the top-hill vineyards. According to Christine Vernay (from Domaine Vernay), the lower acidity of this vintage (similar to 2005) will probably create more approachable wines in their youth, but they still should express theirselves for the coming 15 years. 2018 is among the most well-structured vintages of Bordeaux, with a very great ageing potential, especially in Saint Emilion. In Champagne region, the vintages finishing by 8 have often been considered as exceptional, (1928, 1988, 1998 et 2008) and 2018 should follow the same prophecy, with great 2018 vintage champagnes that should aged gracefully. In the Jura region, the estates are very optimist with what should be the best vintage in quantity since 2011, and maybe even 1974. Indeed, the 2018 vintage has been exceptional despite the very high temperatures, especially in Arbois. Wine lovers should be patient as the wines will show their peak after years of cellaring. The Loire red wines are silky and round, especially the wines from Cabernets (Sauvignon and Franc) with some wines that will be beautiful after 10 to 15 years. The 2018 Burgundy red wines will be of greater potential than the white, thanks to their high concentration, beautiful tannins and great level of acidity. The wines are expected to be very charming in their youth and with great ageing potential for the most important terroirs of the Cote de Nuits and around Corton.
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