The 2017 Lacoste Borie was picked from 15 to 29 September, cropped at 49hl/ha. It has a clean, fresh and slightly earthy bouquet, what you might call “classic” in style, perhaps not quite as precise as the 2016 but then again, few 2017s are. The palate is medium-bodied with firm and strict tannin, a little raw at the moment with a small attenuation on the slightly rough-hewn finish. Not bad although I would like to see more finesse by the time of bottling. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 88-90 points

This is bright, with extremely well-placed, juicy blue fruits with coffee touches, and a gorgeous sense of energy. It`s a definite buy in this vintage, and should be great value. Technical director Christel Spinner has done a great job of delivering a focussed, finessed wine. I wouldn`t wait too long to enjoy this, as it already has lots to enjoy. Harvested 15-29 September, yielding a fairly normal 49hl/ha, so we can safely say no frost here. 92 points

Escaped the frost thanks to their elevation. `We are on the mountains`, joked owner François-Xavier Borie, `on the Gironde heights` (18-24 m/59–79 ft). 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc on very deep coarse gravel. Deep crimson with soft purple rim. Has both dark Cabernet fruit and the sweetness of Merlot. Gentle and inviting. Fruit sweetness and freshness on the finish – you`d almost think of drinking this now. But there`s tannin to support the fruit. And a light note of pepper. Fruity and lively. Not deep but lively and fresh. Juicy and yet persistent. Could be GV for the medium term. 16 points