2017 Montviel (Pomerol)

The 2017 Montviel has a simple bouquet with blackberry raspberry and light cedar aromas that gradually unfurls in the glass. The palate on the first bottle shows signs of TCA. The second bottle is more representative with supple red cherry and raspberry fruit, displaying the approachable nature of this Pomerol cru. Drink over the next 5 to 7 years.

The 2017 Chateau Montviel is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels. This deep ruby/plum-hued beauty boasts a great bouquet of chocolate red and black fruits, dried tobacco, loamy soil, and chocolate. It's ripe and powerful on the palate, with solid mid-palate depth as well as present tannins. I suspect a good 2-3 years of bottle age will help the tannins integrate, and it should keep for 10-15 years. It's certainly a successful 2017 that checks in behind the 2015, 2016, and 2018 (I suspect) yet surpasses the 2014.