Chateau Monbousquet 2017

Professional Ratings

• 94 Wine Spectator

  This shows a prominent tobacco leaf note out front, followed by dark currant and blackberry paste flavors, studded with singed alder, savory and charcoal accents. Features muscular grip through the finish, with the savory edge leading the way. A bit burly for St.-Emilion, but should mellow in the cellar. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

• 93 James Suckling

  A soft, silky wine with plum and chocolate aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, yet caressing and delicious. Extremely open and drinkable already, but better in 2022.

• 92 Wine Enthusiast

  This juicy wine offers attractive tannins and ripe berry flavors. It is balanced, with plenty of acidity and fruitiness. Drink the wine from 2023. Vignobles Perse.

• 90 Jeb Dunnuck

  From half the normal yields, the 2017 Chateau Monbousquet is a more elegant, streamlined example of this cuvee that has complex notes of black currants, espresso roast, tobacco lead, and chocolate. Medium-bodied, with good acidity and plenty of elegance and purity, it's a toned-down yet balanced, seamless Monbousquet to enjoy over the coming decade.

• 90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  This vineyard was significantly hit by frost, but I was told there was no use of second-generation fruit. Composed of 60% Merlot, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Monbousquet gives up notes of crushed blackberries, black raspberries and kirsch with touches of black truffles, Marmite toast and tapenade. Medium-bodied, the palate has a firm structure of grainy tannins and just enough freshness to support the earthy, muscular fruit, finishing on a mineral note.