Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage 2018
Although 2018 started off very dry, with the soils parched by the previous year’s rainfall deficit, the spring heralded abundant rain with the months between March and June all recording above-average precipitation. Soil water reserves were amply replenished, a good position to be in for the vines’ growing and ripening cycles. The wet, cool spring and generally unsettled atmospheric conditions continued into the summer and resulted in a diminishing of the crop size. Inevitably, the growth cycle of the vine was delayed by a few weeks, but a hot and dry August put maturations back on track. Climatic conditions in early September favoured an even and complete ripening of the berries with good levels of acidity that are reflected in the wines’ balance. Yields were very low, but that favored the high quality that the wines from 2018 reveal.
Reviews
A bestseller among LBVs, the 2018 is in a lighter, more eco-friendly bottle. Gently floral, softly scented yet quite restrained on the nose. Opulent plum and berry fruit initially in true Graham’s style, the palate brushed by soft, ripe tannins leaving a fresh, lithe, slightly grippy finish. Accessible and well balanced.
An open-knit red, with a mix of steeped loganberry and açaí notes backed by Black Forest cake and mocha notes. A flash of cedar underlines the finish. Drink now through 2029.