2017 Marojallia

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Marojallia (composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot) has quite an cedary nose to start, soon revealing underlying black raspberries, warm cassis and Morello cherry notes plus a hint of cloves. Medium-bodied, the palate has a good intensity of pure, crunchy fruit laced with notable oak and with a racy line, finishing just a tad chewy. Give it 2-4 years to come around and drink it over the next 10-15 years+.

The 2017 Marojallia is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot matured for 16 months in oak from five cooperages. It has an attractive bouquet with blackberry, mulberry and light undergrowth aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp blackberry laced with tar and cedar, leading to a cohesive and slightly minty finish. Not bad, although I have encountered better vintages in recent years.

A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot brought up in new oak, from vines planted between Le Tertre and Monbrison in the Arsac region of Margaux, the 2017 Chateau Marojallia is a great effort that puts its foot on the ripeness pedal, yet stays classy and balanced. Smoked black fruits, charcoal, graphite, and candied violets notes all define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has plenty of oomph and opulence, yet has a spine of clean acidity keeping it balanced and pure. Give it 3-4 years or bottle age and it should shine for two decades or more.