2017 Petit Village (Pomerol)

The 2017 Petit-Village is raised in 50% new oak for 15 months, the vines did not suffer frost damage at all. This is a Pomerol cru that has left me feeling nonplussed in recent vintages and I am still seeking a version that reflects the terroir. It has plenty of red cherry and red plum fruit on the nose, hints of blood orange and just a touch of cooked meat. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannin, moderate depth, and just attenuated a little towards the finish leaving you wanting more. 87-89 points

An enjoyable wine from technical director Diana Berrouet Garcia. There was no frost here, and so they made a gorgeous, full and bright Petit Village with a good persistency of black cherry fruits and firm tannins. It was picked on 18-20 September, a little earlier than they perhaps wanted due to September rains, but the fruit was deftly handled. 50% new oak. 90 points

71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon. Will be aged 15 months in 50% new oak. Deep cherry red. Sudden burst of right-bank sweetness after tasting Pichon Baron, Pibran and Les Tourelles. Scented with violets. Cinammon buns. Sweet fruit and firm tannins give very good balance. Firm but juicy and generous too. Lots of pleasure and fruit depth. 16.5 points

Petit Village was completely spared from the frosts in 2017. Composed of 71% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Petit Village is deep garnet-purple in color and is a little reticent to begin, with slowly emerging notes of warms plums, blackberry pie and baked blueberries plus sparks of kirsch, licorice, camphor and chargrill. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a generous amount of mid-palate flesh and really ripe, plush tannins, finishing with loads of blue, black and red fruit layers. 90-92 points