The 2017 La Petite Eglise was picked from 12 to 22 September at 41hl/ha and is matured in 50% new oak. Just one small parcel near the Barbanne tributary was touched by frost but nothing on the plateau. It has a straightforward bouquet with more red fruit than black, hints of freshly tilled soil and pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a touch more compact than previous vintages but beautifully focused and silky smooth towards the sustained finish. Excellent. 90-92 points

A lighter expression of Durantou`s work, partly because this is a sandier soil planted to 100% Merlot, and partly due to the vintage. It has a real freshness and florality and will make for great drinking over the next few years. It`s worth knowing that Durantou is about to pull up these vines (they were planted in the 1980s), so this will be the last vintage before production goes right down for the next five years or so. Thankfully there was a good yield of 41hl/ha. 50% new oak, picked 12-22 September. 89 points

Very little frost damage. 100% Merlot (picked 12–22 September). 41 hl/ha. 50% new oak. 7,600 bottles produced. Dark purplish crimson with black core. Elderberry fruit. Fragrant. A little wild in aroma, wild fruits. Incredibly silky, juicy and supple. Lovely and already nearly approachable. Mouth-watering and moreish. 16.5 points

100% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Petite Eglise comes charging out of the glass with exuberant notes of crushed wild blueberries, vibrant cassis and violets with touches of fertile loam, garrigue and bay leaves. Medium-bodied with a wonderful energy of perfumed black fruits, it has a racy line and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and fragrant. 90-92 points