Chateau Marquis d´Alesme Becker 2017

WEINWISSER: "Granat mit rubinrotem Rand. Komplexes schwarzbeeriges Bouquet mit viel Würze unterlegt. Im zweiten Ansatz Darjeelingnote und dunkle Edelhölzer. Am bulligen Gaumen mit mächtigem Tanningerüst, doch der Muskelprotz besticht mit einer stützenden Rasse. Im konzentrierten Finale mit getrockneten Wildkirschen, edlen Graphitspuren und fleischigem Extrakt. Potenzialwertung für diesen Bulldozer aus Margaux."

JEB DUNNUCK: "Blockbuster stuff, the 2017 Chateau Marquis D'Alesme Becker hails from a 15-hectare vineyard of mostly sandy, gravelly soils located in the heart of the Margaux appellation. Since the arrival of Marjolaine de Coninck in 2009, this estate has been firing on all cylinders. The 2017 is based on 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 65% new French oak, with the balance in a mix of 1-4-year-old barrels. Inky hued with stunning notes of cassis, ground herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and smoked earth, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, concentrated texture, ripe tannins, and a solid spine of acidity. This backward, unevolved 2017 has all the right components but needs 5-7 years of bottle age."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2017 Marquis d'Alesme Becker is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a very serious, classic nose of warm cassis, cedar chest, pencil lead and fragrant earth with wafts of violets and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, it has a solid backbone of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and a muscular mid-palate of tightly wound layers, delivering lovely purity and great length."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Blending 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 6%, Petit Verdot, the wine quickly shows off its floral essence with black cherry and spice box notes. Sweet and fresh, the wine is full bodied, soft, refined and displays its freshness and ripe cherries with a bit of cocoa just as you approach the endnote. The wine reached 13.5% alcohol. The harvest took place between September 25 and October 6."

DECANTER: "Velvety damson colour, hard to fault the tannic structure with this one; it's austere but has good impact and will soften. It's not drying, and has depth of flavour - promising, with good texture and plenty to get your teeth into. Drinking Window 2024 - 2040"

WINE SPECTATOR: "Dark cherry and plum compote flavors are well-rendered, backed by licorice root, black tea and singed alder notes. The structure is fine-grained, letting the fruit linger before a light sanguine element chimes in at the very end. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032."

JAMES SUCKLING: "There’s strong drive here with rich aromas of dark berries and cassis, as well as blueberries. The palate has a bold build of quite fine, firm tannin that carries long, even and true. Drink or hold."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, zart rauchig-kräuterwürzig unterlegte schwarze Fruchtnuancen, zart nach Dörrpflaumen. Saftig, frische Kirschen, präsente Tannine, wirkt kraftvoll, gut anhaltend, mineralisch, hat Entwicklungspotenzial."