2017 Pedesclaux

The 2017 Pédesclaux has really come together nicely since I tasted it from barrel. Supple and engaging, 2017 shows all of the radiance and soft contours of Merlot, which makes up nearly half the blend. Hints of leather, smoke and tobacco are laced throughout a core of black cherry/plum fruit. The 2017 is engaging, wonderfully inviting and simply delicious.

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Pedesclaux is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. The nose reveals a stunning perfume of wilted roses, lilacs and Ceylon tea, over a core of kirsch, raspberry pie and warm blackberries plus touches of garrigue and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, fresh and fragrant in the mouth, it has soft, easy-going tannins and a compelling iron ore note on the finish.

The 2017 Pédesclaux comes across just a little smudged on the nose, though it appears to gain clarity with aeration, light touches of mint infusing the blackberry and boysenberry fruit, quite refined in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, well judged acidity, smooth in texture with a little more depth on the finish than I discerned out of barrel. This is turning into a very fine Pauillac.