Clos de la Maréchale was hit by two hail storms in 2018, including one on the day of France's World Cup final triumph, so yields in this 9.06ha monopoly vineyard were down by 40% overall. The quality of the resulting wine didn't suffer in the slightest, as this is one of the best bottlings of recent years, with fine, savoury red fruit flavours, graceful tannins and a stylish frame of 25% new wood.

A brooding, slightly riper and more deeply pitched nose features notes of poached plum, cassis and plenty of spice and floral nuances and in particular violet. There is very good punch to the delicious and suave medium-bodied flavors that exude more evident minerality on the firm, serious and youthfully austere finish. This is perhaps not quite as refined as it usually is but the complexity and persistence are excellent and overall, this is particularly impressive given the hailstorms of 2018.