Clos des Jacobins 2017

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Clos des Jacobins has a nose of warm black cherries, redcurrant jelly and stewed plums plus wafts of unsmoked cigars and scorched earth. Medium-bodied, the palate offers loads of refreshing black and red fruits with a plush texture and just enough freshness to lift the finish.

This sports a slightly extracted feel, with plum paste and roasted vanilla notes that meld as they move through the tobacco-tinged, mulled finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2022. 800 cases made, 50 cases imported.

This starts promisingly on the attack, but the fruit fades and dries out through the mid‑palate. There are some burnt coffee grounds notes on the finish, and although I can see that they have very carefully extracted the fruits, there is a lack of balance. There is plenty of investment going into this estate, and it's definitely one to watch, but it suffers in this vintage.

This has aromas of fresh herbs and ripe dark plums, as well as gently spicy oak. The palate is succulent and delivers quite a ripe, fleshy and smooth-honed feel. Drink now or hold.

Medium-bodied, with a core of licorice, cocoa, and sweet cherry fruits. Soft tannins and a gentle mouthfeel will make this wine charming to enjoy in its youth.

Deep dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening, fresh black berry fruit, subtle roasted aromas, pleasant precious wood savoriness. Elegant, balanced, fresh cherries, fine tannins, delicate nougat on the finish, finesse-rich structure, a touch of red berries, savory aftertaste, a delicate, multi-faceted food companion.

Kunz barrel sample 18: Sweet, fresh, fruity bouquet, strawberry jelly, vanilla, fine caramel, mint. Silky, delicate palate with good fruit, fine tannins, sweet aromatics, peppery finish. Can still improve.

Sweet, fresh, fruity bouquet with strawberry jelly, vanilla, fine caramel and mint. Silky, finely textured palate with good fruit, fine tannins, sweet aromatics and a peppery finish. Has room to improve. 16/20 2023 - 2034

The 2017 Clos des Jacobins has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It flows gently from the glass with fragrant scents of kirsch, black raspberries, and cinnamon toast, with touches of rose oil and stewed black tea. Medium-bodied, the palate has muscular black and red berry fruit with firm, rounded tannins and great freshness, finishing on a perfumed note.

A fine achievement for this cru, whose quality has steadily increased over the course of our tastings. On the palate, it shows flesh that is both flavorful and full, with a generously defined body. Plenty of freshness on the finish. It remains utterly charming.

A subtle touch of oak frames a refined nose, yet lets freshness and finesse shine through; a perfect attack on a tightly grained structure, delicate and lifted by a hint of blossom over a more sanguine core. Lovely finesse to the wine, with a slightly dipping finish. A bit of a pity, but it’s a hallmark of the vintage.

Taut, indulgent, juicy wine, with a lovely acidic backbone, supple tannins, and a taut finish.

Such finesse and complexity in this bouquet! It unfolds slowly, revealing nuances of black berries such as blackcurrant and blackberry. I also notice floral notes, slightly earthy tones, and hints of mint. On the palate, the wine is creamy and indulgent. Its tannins give it breadth. They are precise, finely grained, and in harmony with the structure. A fruity, persistent finish. A great success in a challenging vintage!