The 2017 Grand-Pontet feels just a little non-descript on the nose, lacking the personality of some of its peers. It needs more energy than it currently shows. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a little “fluffy” and whilst rounded and smooth, it needs more grip, more bite and structure on the finish. 87-89 points

The Pourquet-Bécot family are in charge here, delivering bright, juicy, pretty wines. This is broad-shouldered, but there are juicy damson and raspberry fruits with pleasing layers of spice from the Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The fruit dips a little through the mid-palate but there is lots of pleasure to be had here, a success in the vintage, especially as the 15hl/ha yield from 13.9ha on clay-limestone and clay-sand soils suggests that they had to deal with frost. Harvested 20-26 September. 88 points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Grand-Pontet is a little reticent on the nose, offering subtle black forest cake and baked blackberries notes with hints of tar, charcuterie and Marmite toast. Medium-bodied and slightly angular at this youthful stage, it has a crisp line and chewy tannins featuring on the finish. 86-88+ points