2017 Ch Le Prieure Grand Cru Classé, St-Émilion

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Le Prieure is a little mute to start, offering glimpses at cedar chest and baked cherries notions with nuances of warm plums, pencil shavings and forest floor. Medium-bodied, the palate has great freshness with bags of bright red and black berries layers and rounded tannins, finishing earthy.

92+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown for The Wine Advocate Drink 2022-2037

Perched on the limestone slopes of Saint Émilion, Château Le Prieuré is one of the appellation's historic Grand Cru Classé estates, with a winemaking history dating back to the 17th century. Now part of the Suravenir Insurance group and under the guidance of the Helena family, the estate has earned renewed acclaim for elegant, terroir driven wines that beautifully express the purity and finesse of this celebrated Right Bank appellation.

The 2017 vintage rewarded meticulous vineyard management, producing wines of freshness, precision and classical balance. The estate's limestone and clay soils delivered Merlot and Cabernet Franc of impressive concentration while preserving aromatic lift and mineral tension. Careful élevage has resulted in a wine that is refined, harmonious and built to evolve gracefully.

Deep garnet with youthful ruby highlights, the bouquet reveals aromas of black cherry, plum and blackberry layered with violets, graphite and fine cedar. As the wine opens, notes of truffle, tobacco leaf and subtle spice emerge, adding depth and unmistakable Saint Émilion character. The palate is beautifully composed, combining generous dark fruits with silky tannins, lively acidity and a finely etched limestone backbone. Elegant and persistent, the finish lingers with savoury complexity, floral perfume and refined balance.

A wonderful companion for roast duck, beef Wellington, herb crusted lamb, mushroom pappardelle or mature Comté. Already drinking beautifully with a generous decant, this distinguished Saint Émilion will continue to reward patient cellaring over the next decade.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2040.