Petit Cantenac AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, 2017

2017 was a small crop, with less than 30% of the number of bottles produced compared to the previous year– the result of the late spring frost and a generally lower crop. The 2017 has some grippy tannins and will benefit from a couple of years in bottle prior to drinking. It has herbal vermouth and bitter cherry aromas with more fresh cherry fruits and bitter chocolate flavours. It is well structured with a long finish. The final blend has a higher proportion of Merlot than the previous vintage at 95%, with 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Grapes were harvested September 9 and 19-21. It was matured for 12 months in French oak with 40% new and 60% older barrels and will benefit from some cellaring prior to drinking.