Reserve De la Comtesse 2017

We have not tasted this wine, but this wine is excellent for value and reflects the first wine in a lighthearted and ready-to-drink format. The score is consistent and reasonably high for a Second wine at this price point. Starts drinking well now.

92 points Decanter

This is a beautiful second wine and a real success in a vintage where second wines often punch below their weight. It's rich, plump, floral-edged, and, above all, extremely drinkable. It has a juicy frame, and it delivers. A 2% pinch of Petit Verdot adds spice (and is added only after the press wine, the final step to add depth, if needed). They used no secondary fruit at all. This should be good to go in five to six years. Tasted several times. (JA) (4/2018). Edited.

92 points Vinous

The 2017 Réserve de la Comtesse came from a barrel that had begun its élevage in a new barrel and then transferred into a used one. It has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, oyster shell, subtle marine scents, and a nose full of character. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and impressive density for a Deuxième Vin. A seductive, graphite-tinged finish. This is an excellent follow-up to 2016 and may even surpass it. (NM) (2/2020). Edited.

91 points Jeb Dunnuck

Starting with the second wine, the 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse has the hallmark purity and elegance of this estate front and centre, showing a deep ruby colour, classy notes of blackcurrants, cassis, white flowers, and hints of graphite, medium body, and sweet, polished tannins. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, brought up in 40% new oak, it tastes like a mini-grand vin from this great estate, and I suspect it will have a broad 15- to 20-year drink window. (2/2020). Edited

91 points, James Suckling

Some fresh-herb, cedar and berry aromas and flavours. Medium to full body, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. It shows tension and structure, though it's a little green. (1/2020). Edited.

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2017 Reserve de la Comtesse is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple coloured, it strolls out of the glass with nonchalant notions of preserved red plums, black cherries, kirsch and black raspberries with wafts of wilted roses, cinnamon toast, fallen leaves and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is beautiful, with delicately played tannins and bags of freshness, finishing wonderfully fragrant. (LPB) (3/2020). Edited.

Jancis Robinson

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Sweeter fruited than Pez, even lightly floral. Much better balance and is juicier on the palate. Lightish but all in proportion. Tannins are fine and must be with only a moderate depth of fruit. (JH) (4/2018). Edited.