2017 Le Coteau

The 2017 Le Coteau is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sings of crushed red and black currants, blackberries and raspberry preserves with hints of rosehip tea and cinnamon toast. Medium-bodied, soft and plush, with loads of juicy fruit, it finishes seductively fragrant.

The 2017 Le Coteau comes from the Arsac commune and sees 100% new oak (François Frères). It has quite a bold bouquet with upfront blackberry and bilberry fruit, the wood component a little strong at the moment but it should be assimilated with bottle age. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, although that wood imparts strong mocha notes on the finish that renders it not a million miles away from a decent Rioja!

The deep purple/ruby-hued 2017 Chateau Le Coteau checks in as equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and spent 15 months in barrels, with 25% being new. This medium-bodied, nicely textured, balanced Margaux has impressive aromatics of black cherries, dried flowers, and cedary spice. It shows the elegance and mid-weight style of the vintage and has terrific balance and ripe tannins. Give it a year or three and enjoy over the following decade. This tiny estate is owned by Philippe Porcheron and is located between Le Tertre and Monbrison (in the Arsac region), with Michel Rolland adding consulting advice.