2018 Chateau Grand Village

Given they are under the same ownership of the Guinaudau family, Chateau Grand Village is often referred to as Chateau Lafleur’s second vineyard. The estate has been owned by the Guinaudau’s relatives for hundreds of years, however it was not until the year 2000 that they began to produce wine themselves from the property. Situated on the edge of the Fronsac region and classified as Bordeaux Superieur, the vineyard is planted to 79% Merlot and 21% Bouchets (Cabernet Franc). The terroir is similar to Saint Emilion with its mix of calcisol going down a foot or so to a bedrock mostly made up of asteria limestone. At Grand Village, they practice many of the same techniques employed at Lafleur, including pruning and de-budding adapted to each vine plant, crop thinning in summer and de-leafing. The grapes are picked by hand, followed by very careful sorting and selection. Grand Village also produces a white wine from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (85%) and Semillon (15%), from a 5 acre plot.

Other Reviews....
The 2018 Grand Village is a pivotal vintage, notable for its aromatic intensity. It has turned out nicely in bottle, exhibiting aromas of dark berries, flowers, lead pencil, plums, licorice and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and polished, it’s fleshy and fruity with a lively core of fruit. Long and ethereal, the finish is superb with an elegant bitterness. This wine offers a deeper insight into the estate’s DNA. Drink 2023-2035.
94 points
Yohan Castaing - Wine Advocate (Dec 01, 2023)

Just as it was from barrel, the 2018 Grand Village is rich and enveloping in feel. Inky red berry fruit, spice, licorice, mocha and dried flowers all meld together in this effortless, juicy Bordeaux Supérieur from the Guinaudeau family. Cabernet Franc signatures are quite prominent in the wine's aromatic profile and structural feel. The 2018 is a jewel of a wine that could very well surprise somewhere down the line. I loved it. Drink 2024-2038.
92 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Aromas of currants and blueberries with some crushed stones follow through to a full body, creamy and chewy tannins and impressive intensity at the finish. Give it two or three years of bottle age. Merlot and bouschet (cabernet franc). Try after 2022.
92 points
James Suckling

I continue to love this wine, which is made by the talented team at Château Lafleur in Pomerol. Based on 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 30% new oak, the 2018 Grand Village (Lafleur) reveals a dense purple color as well as a medium to full-bodied, ripe, expansive style offering plenty of power as well as elegance. Giving up notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, truffle, and spring flowers, it's a gorgeous 2018 with the texture and opulence to drink fabulously well today, yet the balance and structure to evolve for 15+ years. Drink 2021 - 2036.
94 points
Jeb Dunnuck