Chateau Badette 2017

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2017 Chateau Badette checks in behind the brilliant 2016, but it certainly isn’t far off. Gorgeous cassis and blackberry fruits as well as ample chocolate, mocha, spring flowers, and crushed rock all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, pure, and elegant on the palate. The tannin quality here is first-rate. This is an estate readers need to get on their radar as they represent stunning value. The blend here is 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot that spent 12 months in 80% new French oak. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15+ years."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Badette strides confidently out of the glass with notes of warm blackberries, black cherries and plum preserves plus wafts of cedar chest, pencil lead and black truffles. Big, concentrated and full-bodied in the mouth, the muscular fruit has a sturdy, rather rugged frame and a firm finish."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fleshy, ripe, silky, sweet and fresh, the wine has length, polished tannins and freshness with dark chocolate and juicy, ripe plums in the finish. The wine was made from blending 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is becoming a new wine to watch in Saint Emilion!"

JAMES SUCKLING: "Deep color and ripe dark berries abound with hints of chocolate and espresso. The palate has impressive, fleshy richness, supple and smooth tannins and a long, juicy and resolved finish. The oak rides high for now. Try from 2023."