The 2018 Giscours Bordeaux Blend from the Margaux sub-region in Bordeaux, France, is a well-regarded red wine produced by Giscours. This vintage, with an alcohol content of 14.5%, showcases a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 97 points, noting its "black currant, dried-blueberry, oyster-shell, black-olive, black truffle, and bitter-chocolate aromas." He described it as "full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity," highlighting its savory and mineral layers that interplay with the black fruit. Suckling concluded by calling it "powerful and chewy yet very polished and beautiful," recommending it be tried from 2024.
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss also gave it a high score of 96 points. Voss praised the wine's "powerful while also stylish black fruits," and emphasized its "density and broad fruitiness," which he believes make fine foils for each other. He also pointed out its firm structure and potential for aging, advising to drink it from 2027.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated the wine at 95 points. He described it as "floral in nature," with a sweetness and purity in the deep red fruits and a violet bouquet. Leve highlighted its "rich, sensuous, silky, sexy and lively" nature, noting it has "width, length and energy." He believes it will age well for at least three decades but will start to shine in 8-10 years.
Decanter's review, also scoring it 95 points, praised its deep purple color with violet edging and "juicy bramble fruit." The review noted the wine's luxurious and confident nature, with "swirls of smoke backed up by spice" and effortless tannins built to last.
Vinous's Neal Martin provided two reviews, scoring it 94 and 93 points respectively. He mentioned the wine's more extravagant nose with "red fruit, black pepper and touches of graphite" and its "bold tannins, very smooth and more sensual than the 2019." Martin appreciated its cohesiveness and refinement, with "fine tannins and notes of white pepper sprinkled over the red fruit."
Wine Spectator's J.M. rated it 95 points, describing it as "very expressive, with violet and lilac notes followed by creamed plum and mulled blackberry and black currant fruit flavors." The wine features "subtle anise, juniper and sanguine notes" threading the very long finish.
Jeb Dunnuck gave the wine 93 points, noting its "ripe black cherry and cassis fruits" alongside "graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth notes." He described it as a "medium-bodied Margaux" with a fresh texture, underlying structure, and stunning balance, suggesting it will improve with 3-5 years of aging.
Finally, Jane Anson scored the wine 95 points, highlighting its "depth of color and rich texture," indicative of a hot year. She noted its "gourmet expression of Giscours, with black chocolate, blueberry, damson, pomegranate," and recommended a few more years in bottle for optimal enjoyment.
Overall, the 2018 Giscours has received excellent reviews, praised for its complexity, depth, and aging potential, making it a standout wine from the Margaux region.
