2017 Clos Les Lunelles
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Tasting notes
The 201 Clos Lunelles is rich, boisterous and super-expressive. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, plum, rose petals, lavender and spice infuse the 2017 with striking aromatic accents to play off the pliant fruit. Beams of saline from the Cabernets give the wine energy and cut. The 2017 is all class.
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Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
There was no frost in the vineyard in 2017, due to its elevation. Composed of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Clos les Lunelles is deep garnet-purple in color and sails out the glass with notions of warm plums, blueberry pie and mulberries plus hints of charcuterie, bouquet garni and charcoal. Medium-bodied, the palate has fantastic freshness with vibrant, crunchy black and blue fruits coating the mouth, finishing with a pleasant bit of chewiness.
The 2017 Clos Lunelles offers scents of raspberry coulis, wild strawberry, crushed violets and blood orange on the nose: intense but nicely defined, if just a little monotone in its youth. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Tightly packed black fruit laced with iodine and subtle seaweed notes lead to a saline finish that needs more persistence. Fine.
Tasting like a beautiful Saint-Emilion, the 2017 Clos Lunelles comes all from limestone soils of the Castillon region and is 80% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 50% new French oak. Black cherries, currants, salty minerality, and hints of chocolate all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, has beautiful fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's one sexy, ripe, polished Cotes Castillon that will evolve for over a decade.