2017 Château Berliquet

The 2017 Berliquet has really come together nicely over the course of its élevage. From bottle, the 2017 shows terrific freshness and nuance to match its mid-weight personality. Sweet red cherry fruit, tobacco, cedar, spice and licorice are pushed forward in a sensual, open-knit Saint-Émilion that will drink well right out of the gate. More than anything else, the 2017 shows a lot of potential for the future. It is the first wine vinified by Nicolas Audebert and his team, but most of the important farming decisions had already been made by the time Chanel acquired the estate, so the 2017 is really a wine of transition. Tasted three times.

- Antonio Galloni (2019)

Alluring, featuring steeped plum, boysenberry and red currant fruit that melds slowly with singed mesquite, bramble, sanguine and rooibos tea notes. Offers a long and detailed finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2034.

- J.M. (2020)

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Berliquet gives up expressive notes of baked plums, blackberry preserves and mulberries with hints of licorice, crushed rocks, chargrilled meat and wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a great core of elegantly played flavors framed by soft, plush tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and minerally. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and it was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new.

- Lisa Perrotti-Brown (2020)