Chateau d´Aiguilhe 2017

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The nose is ripe with licorice, black cherry and plums. There is an honest sweetness to the fruit. The textures are round, the tannins are soft and the finish is fruity with a touch of licorice on the back end. The wine was made from a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place September 21 to October 7. The frost devastated 60% of the vineyard."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Open-knit in feel, with cassis and cherry compote flavors backed by subtle vanilla, floral and rooibos tea accents. Shows a lingering freshness. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2027."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 d'Aiguilhe features notions of baked plums, black cherries and mulberries with hints of underbrush, bouquet garni and tobacco with a waft of cast-iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with expressive black fruit layers and loads of earthy suggestions, framed by fine-grained tannins, finishing long and refreshing."

WEINWISSER: "90 % Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Franc. Aufgrund des Frostes nur 10hl/ha. Tiefes Granatrubin mit violettem Rand. Dichtes Schattenmorellenbouquet mit Walderdbeeren, dahinter Cassisdrops und Lakritze. Am eleganten Gaumen mit superseidigen Tanninen und reifem, süsslichem Extrakt. Im langen Finale ein Korb von blauen Beeren, edle Graphitnoten und würzige Wacholder. Kann noch zulegen."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A red with pretty notes of salt, vanilla and currants. Medium body. Tight and harmonious. Creamy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now."

DECANTER: "A red with pretty notes of salt, vanilla and currants. Medium body. Tight and harmonious. Creamy finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.2

JEB DUNNUCK: "Due to the frost, there's only one-third of the normal production of the 2017 Chateau D'Aiguilhe. Nevertheless, it’s an outstanding wine based on a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It offers more upfront blue fruits and hints of cassis as well as loads of violets and spring flowers. With good concentration, fine tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and outstanding length, it's ideal for drinking over the coming 7-8 years."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "This rich, smoky wine is generous with its fruits and fine tannins. Its fruity character comes through the tannins to give a powerful wine, packed with jammy blackberry flavors. Drink from 2021."