2017 Saint Georges Cote Pavie

A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Côte Pavie leaps from the glass with bold stewed plums, blackberry preserves and redcurrant jelly scents plus suggestions of cigar box, cedar and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has impressive weight and density, framed by ripe, rounded tannins and background freshness, finishing long and savory.

From a great terroir just beside Chateau Pavie and showing better from bottle than barrel, the 2017 Chateau Saint Georges (Cote Pavie) (80/20 Merlot and Cabernet Franc) spent 16 months in just 30% new barrels. It offers a textbook bouquet of black raspberries, white flowers, truffle, and flower incense that carries to a medium to full-bodied 2017 with plenty of tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It's a terrific release from this estate, which appears to be on the upswing. It needs a solid 3-4 years of bottle age yet should evolve gracefully for 15 years or more.

Very sophisticated with a full body, fresh acidity, chewy tannins and a long yet savory finish. Regal and dialed-in, and the tannin quality is very velvety despite the concentrated fruit.