La Dame de Montrose, St Estèphe, 2017

After the enormous success of the 2016 Dame de Montrose, it was always going to be a challenge to replicate such an accomplishment in 2017, but the team here, led by Hervé Berland were more than up to the test, and they have come inconceivably close. Produced from 49% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, this is bursting with crisp berry fruit and cool minerals. It is broad yet chiselled with seductive, charming fruit and effortless tannins. One is left with a complex tail of cassis, spice and a hint of smoke of the ripe, accomplished tannins.