Chateau Cap de Faugeres 2017

JAMES SUCKLING: "A tight, juicy wine with leaves, tobacco and some blackberries. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Give it a year or two to soften. Drink in 2020 and onwards."

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes Purpurgranat mit violettem Rand. Konzentriertes Wildkirschenbouquet, dahinter Lavendel und schwarze Johannisbeerpastillen. Am mittleren Gaumen mit seidigen Tanninen und guter Frische, geradlinig vinifiziert, jetzt schon gute Balance, Barrique ist vollkommen integriert. Im Finale und Rückaroma viel blaue Beeren sowie getrocknete Kirschenhäute."

DUNNUCK: "From a larger site in the Castillon region, the 2017 Chateau Cap De Faugeres is outstanding, and this estate is just about a no-brainer purchase as it seems to deliver the goods in every vintage. Lots of blackcurrant fruit, notes of sandalwood, tobacco leaf, and spice, medium to full-bodied richness, and a rounded, layered mouthfeel, as well as plenty of minerality, make for a brilliant Castillon. Based on 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in casks, drink it any time over the coming 10-12 years."

WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Luxurious and sexy, the wine is loaded with licorice, juicy plums and dark chocolate with an expressive, round finish. This should be quite tasty on release. The wine was made from a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon – despite the estate losing 40% of the yield to frost."

WINESPECTATOR: "Fresh and juicy in feel, with an up-front persona defined by red currant and plum fruit flavors. Light floral, savory and apple wood notes fill in on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2027."