2017 Domaine de l'A
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Tasting notes
Deep crimson. Rather sweet and sumptuous on the nose. Certainly ready and quite solid and chunky. But there is lots to get to grips with. Though I rather fondly remember wines from this appellation such as Ch d'Aiguilhe being inexpensive enough to be sold at Waitrose… Just slightly inky on the very end but a serious effort from Stéphane Derenoncourt on his home turf. Pretty dry, uncompromising finish. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Domaine de l'A is a gorgeous, but also embryonic wine from Stéphane and Christiane Derenoncourt. I have seen Domaine de l'A blossom with time, but it is also a wine that requires a bit of patience. I suspect that will be the case here as well. Time in the glass brings out striking purity in the wine's dark, layered fruit, and yet the best is clearly yet to come. The 2017 was vinified and aged in French oak, about 40% new.
The 2017 Domaine de l'A is composed of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 16-18 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it gives up pronounced notes of fruitcake, prunes and cherry pie with hints of hoisin, balsamic, espresso and Provence herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black fruit preserves and a chewy texture, finishing with an herbal lift.
From the home estate of Stephane Derenoncourt and a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, brought up in 40% new barrels, the 2017 Domaine De L'A sports a medium ruby/plum color as well as classy notes of red currants, dried herbs, earth, and incense. Nicely textured, medium-bodied, and elegant on the palate, with beautiful balance, it can be drunk today with ample pleasure or cellared for 10-12 years or more. This is one of those insider wines that can be hard to find yet is well worth the effort.