Chateau Grand Village - G Acte 9 2017

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "None of the Cabernet Franc survived the frost in 2017, so the wine is made from 100% Merlot this year. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Guinaudeau G Acte 9 is intensely scented of warm plums, baked black cherries and mulberries with hints of licorice, cloves, sandalwood and dark chocolate plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic precision and purity with a laser-fine line of racy acid and ripe, firm, finely grained tannins to support, finishing long and fruity. This vintage should age beautifully over the next 25 years+."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This is very structured and tannic, yet the tannins are soft and polished. Full-bodied, dense and layered. Pure merlot this year. Excellent quality. Creamy texture to it all. Limestone adds minerality. Drinkable now, but better in 2022."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Made from 100% Merlot, the 2017 Grand Village (Lafleur) Acte 9 offers a slightly darker style than the Grand Village, with ripe black cherry, damp earth, leafy herbs, and hints of white truffle. It's beautifully polished and medium-bodied, has fine tannins and good acidity, and is incredibly long, with an almost salty sense of minerality on the finish. Drink it over the coming 10-15 years. The production here is just 9% of normal, and this is the last vintage where this cuvee was released under the Acte label."

DECANTER: "Grown on clay limestone soils, this is a serious wine; persistent and mouth-filling greengage and damson notes, with touches of rosemary. Clear austere notes, but also clear precision and an insistent slow build across the palate. This will take its time, but it has clean and well-finessed lines, gentle acidity and well-placed tannins. Unusually this is 100% Merlot because their massal-selection Cabernet Franc didn't make it through the frost. Around 10% of normal production. Drinking Window 2020 - 2034"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The first vintage made from 100% Merlot presents leaf, tobacco, and red fruits. Forward, round and supple, you may drink this sweet cherry and licorice-filled wine upon release. Due to the frost, the production is under 250 cases this year – a typical vintage is 1,500! The ninth vintage of this wine, “G” Acte 9, takes its name from Guinaudeau as in Jacques and Sylvie, the renowned owners."