Château Peyrabon 2017

A cedar hint leads off and meanders throughout, absorbing into the gently steeped red currant and damson plum fruit flavors before reemerging on the streamlined finish alongside a sanguine note. Drink now through 2023. 11,500 cases made, 1,100 cases imported.

An enjoyable attack with plum, blackberry and coffee notes unrolls on the palate in an unfussy manner. It's well put together, with a dash of spice and cedared oak on the finish. A medium drinker that's pretty and has a floral touch. A dash of Petit Verdot completes the blend. A Patrick Bernard estate.

Medium deep colour with a purple hue. Fine nose with roasted coffee, cassis, freshly crushed berries and mild spices. Medium weight with a fine polish, subtle tannin, fresh backbone, integrated oak and fine length.

Fruity, intense, sappy wine with round tannins and a long finish.

A bouquet of good intensity marked by notes of black berries and a spicy touch. On the palate, the wine is juicy with tannins that are still angular. I enjoyed it more during the En Primeur tastings. I think it needs a bit of time.

The nose is fruity. It reveals notes of strawberry, fleshy red cherry and, more subtly, cornflower, with fine hints of blackberry, as well as discreet touches of tonka bean, spices and a very discreet hint of licorice. The palate is fruity, balanced, and offers a juicy/slightly tangy backbone, along with good definition and precision. On the palate, this wine shows notes of crisp strawberry, crisp raspberry and, more slightly, juicy blackberry, together with fine hints of violet, cornflower and discreet touches of sweet spices. Good length.

Fruity, pleasant wine with no hard edges. Medium body and length.

91–93. Barrel Sample. A solidly structured wine, this has firm tannins and notes of chocolate and black fruits. Concentrated and gripping, it has a crispness on the finish that suggests it will age well over the medium-term. Drink from 2022.