Damien Barton Sartorius Says 2018 Has `Beautiful Aromas'

The 2018 vintage is shaping up to be ``superb'' with ``very beautiful aromas'' following a warm, dry summer that resulted in optimal picking conditions, according to Damien Barton Sartorius of Saint Julien estates Chateau Leoville Barton and Chateau Langoa Barton.

Winery at Chateau Leoville Barton in Saint Julien. Photo: Guy Collins

He said picking at his vineyards finished Oct. 6 and that ``alcohol is quite high, so we have to go softly'' in the wine-making process. ``The extraction will need to be gentle.'' Winemakers across the Bordeaux region have said the 2018 vintage has considerable potential, although yields in some areas have been reduced by mildew resulting from wet spring weather. Overall they said quality is set to be high. At Chateau Bouscaut in Pessac-Leognan, owner Sophie Lurton-Cogombles also said the vintage was ``superb'', saying the harvest had run from Aug. 28 until Oct. 16. The estate makes both red and white wine.