A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged for around 14 months in oak barriques, 75% new, the 2018 Villemaurine sports a deep garnet-purple color and expressive notes of chocolate-covered cherries, ripe blackberries and boysenberries with suggestions of redcurrant jelly, clove oil and lavender, plus a waft of star anise. Weighing in at 15% declared alcohol, the full-bodied palate is nicely balanced with a plush texture and refreshing backbone cutting through the generous black fruits, finishing long and perfumed.