Médoc grand cru classé 2017: panel tasting results

Now part of the AXA Millésimes group, Pichon Baron was founded in the late 17th century. Its grand vin is sourced from the very oldest...

Owned by Groupe Taillan, with Eric Boissenot as consultant winemaker, the estate is currently converting to organic. This is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot and...

Langoa Barton’s gravelly vineyard plots are still owned by the Barton family, who founded the estate in 1722. A blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38%...

Montrose has solar panels and uses geothermal energy to manage temperatures in the barrel halls and vats. The 2017 is 76% Cabernet Sauvignon (with 20%...

Smooth textured with fine-grained tannins, ripe cassis, silky red berry and cherry fruit and creamy oak. This is charming and quite forward, with graphite, toast,...

The vineyard at Château Lascombes is, at 120ha, one of the largest in Margaux and, unusually for a Left Bank château, is planted 50% to...

Hints of meat pan juices to the nose fail to materialise on the palate, which has surprisingly rich, ripe, inky depths. Well-knit blackcurrant and berry...

Another property owned by the Barton family, Léoville Barton is one of the classic châteaux of St-Julien. The 2017 blend contains a huge 93% Cabernet...

The Indian-inspired 19th century architecture at Château Cos d’Estournel (and its 100-year-old vines) sits in stark contrast to the modern winery, with its 100% gravity-fed...

Pontet-Canet has had organic and biodynamic certification since 2010. The 2017 vintage saw new methods of grape sorting and destemming introduced, and a new electricity-free...

Cloves, black pepper, damson, oak swirl and vanilla bean, definitely a more complex and confident nose than many - and the profusion of aromatics adds...

Kirwan’s 37ha of vines, in 45 parcels, sit on the Cantenac plateau, overlooking Margaux. After fermentation in concrete vats in the new winery – completed...

Lynch-Bages has been part of the Famille JM Cazes portfolio since the 1930s, now run by Jean-Charles Cazes. Grapes for the 2017 (70% Cabernet Sauvignon,...

Owned by the Quié family since 1946, Rauzan-Gassies has 30ha of vines planted within a nature reserve. The 2017 underwent malolactic fermentation in both barrels...

Expressive nose, floral and fragrant with notes of crushed juniper berry, prunes, pencil lead, cigar box and mint. Energetic, with a mouthwatering freshness and delicate...

Not so showy on the nose - quite restrained. Appealing, subtle floral aromatics of violet/rose petal. Soft and pleasing on the palate with similar concentration...

Complex aromas of intense blackcurrant, dark cherries, plums and hints of chocolate, violet and leafy notes. Generous and appealing, showing tension and precision with slightly...

This is the definition of a wine to buy in an off-vintage. It has the signature of the last few years, but in an early-drinking...

Deep and seductive nose of rich plums, cassis, cocoa powder, tar and smoke, with hints of fresh lavender. Generous, ample and juicy on the palate,...

These guys often over-deliver in challenging years, and have done so yet again. As you would expect in a vintage that has produced such an...

Lifted notes of freshly picked strawberries, raspberries and summer fruits with blackcurrant tones and hints of crushed rocks. Precise, showing clarity on the palate, upfront...

Floral nose, very aromatic, showing scents of blackcurrant, plums, blueberries and oriental spices. Well-integrated firm tannins, with plenty of freshness and an elegant finish.

Gorgeous, perfumed fruit on the nose, rich and glamorous notes of violet, ripe red cherries, bramble, coffee and hints of leather. Robust and muscular, plump...

A young wine that is showing beautifully well, with complexity and carefully placed fruit but not the depth and power of the bigger years. There...

Appealing, classic nose displaying aromas of plums, cinnamon, cedar and dark chocolate. Smooth, satin-like tannins with spicy edges and a vibrant acidity.

Rich and fresh aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant leaf and mineral undertones with hints of forest floor. Silky on the palate, nicely rounded and...

Liquorice, cola, caramel, tobacco and black fruits, - some blue fruit hints too. Smooth and round, this has a lovely weight on the palate, supple...

Classic nose of pencil shavings, dark chocolate, mocha and intense notes of dark cherry and cassis. Round and ample, concentrated and lively, with very supple...

Ripe nose of rich black fruits, blue flowers and spicy undertones of nutmeg and cedar. Generous and plump on the palate, creamy and slightly chewy.

This is good, showing less dominant oak than in some recent years and with a good level of fruit and extraction. It's a good year...

Brambly nose of autumnal fruits, blackcurrants, dark cherries and spicy undertones. Well-structured, with weight and body and a chewy texture. Round and harmonious, with a...

Deep nose of perfumed blackcurrant, vanilla and balsamic notes with hints of wet stones. Fresh yet powerful on the palate, vibrant with rich tannins.

Cool blue fruits on the nose, prunes and sultana aromas with scents of flowers, vanilla and cola. Juicy palate with a plump texture, balanced by...

Dark beguiling nose, rich and ripe, concentrated with violets and sweet black liquorice. The palate is ample and generous with grippy, chewy tannins. Plenty of...

Exotic spice aromas under a really inviting floral character and pure cassis and prune notes. Succulent and juicy, with energy and verve. Finely interwoven tannins.

Stalky red fruit on the nose with fresh raspberry leaf notes, dark chocolate and gorgeous floral scents. Sumptuous palate, succulent and mouthwatering, with subtle oak...

Scented red cherry aromas with classic notes of cassis and blackcurrant leaves. Fruit-driven, with plenty of generosity. Succulent and somewhat chewy.

Hawthorn and crushed earth on the nose, with touches of brambled hedgerow berries. I really like this, it has personality, and is showing well even...

Savoury nose of mushrooms, leather, sweet spices and ripe plummy fruit with some floral notes. Round and soft on the palate, with very fine tannins.

This is a wonderful second wine, and a real success in a vintage where second wines are often punching below their weight. It's rich, plump,...

Generous black fruit on the nose, brooding and sultry with violet nuances. Spicy on the palate, with minty touches. Light and refreshing.

Restrained aromas of creamy dark chocolate, black fruits, tomato leaves and some floral reflections. Firm tannins, brightly juicy with a soft minty character.

Toasty nose with hints of mocha and vanilla, ripe blackcurrant aromas and smoky nuances. Rich and intense on the palate, with a great structure.

Appealing aromas of bramble, liquorice, coffee and dried violets. Soft and mouth-filling, with a spicy character on the palate and mouthwatering acidity.

Refined nose of black cherry, fresh plums and blackcurrant with strawberry jam notes and hints of star anise. Powerful and poised on the palate.

Vibrant nose of fresh dark berry fruit with touches of dark chocolate dust. Enjoyable succulence and sweetness on the palate, with a harmonious freshness.