A bold but balanced wine that wears its 14.5% alcohol level lightly, the 2018 Nicolas Barreyre (80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon) displays an enticing set of aromatics, offering up savory scents of blackberry, cassis, and cacao mingled with hints of cedar.

In the mouth, the wine graces the palate with berry fruit, cedar, and forest floor flavors, which are carried on a bed of ripe tannins with plenty of verve and vigor to remind all that there isn’t anything petit about this petit château’s wine.