Deep ruby-hued, with spicy, complex notes of ripe cherries, mulberries, dried earth, and leafy herbs, the 2018 Château Martinet is medium-bodied and has a silky, beautifully balanced mouthfeel, moderate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shows plenty of classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality with time in the glass and is a satisfying, complex, already impressive Saint-Emilion. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years.

Ripe and focused, with gently steeped plum and black cherry flavors racing along, lined with light-handed sweet toast and black licorice. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2026. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 7,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

The 2018 Martinet comes across quite herbal and a little green on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins and plenty of tobacco-infused black fruit, but overall I find the finish a little too dry.