Jancis Robinson (17+)

Same winemaking as the regular Valtellina. Cask sample. Lustrous mid ruby. Really pretty perfumed nose with great focus. Concentrated but fine. Succulent, minerally fruit with a saline note on the finish. Fine, long-lasting, clinging tannins. (WS)

Exemplifying the finesse of a classic Bordeaux, the Baron Philippe de Rothschild Pauillac The Rothschild Collection 2017 hails from a legendary winemaker with renowned expertise rooted in the world's most prestigious winemaking region. This Pauillac is a union of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, carefully selected from high-quality vineyards on the Left Bank of Bordeaux.

Masterfully crafted by estate wine-grower, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, this vintage exhibits a captivating complexity. The meticulous maturation process in oak barrels endows a beautifully balanced harmony between profound Cabernet structure and the velvety grace of Merlot.

Distinctive aromas of blackcurrant, toasted spices and leather, segue into indulgent layers of dark fruit and earthy truffle, defining the wine's profound character. The Baron Philippe de Rothschild Pauillac The Rothschild Collection 2017 serves as a testament to the winery’s commitment to excellence, cementing its place in the upper echelons of viniculture.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Moving to the two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases and 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 12% Counoise, the rest other permitted varieties (Marc calls this a Mourvèdre vintage), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports an inky purple color as well as a textbook Mourvèdre nose of black, black fruits, smoked meats, crushed rocks, charcoal, and pepper. It's deep and full-bodied, with beautiful purity and building structure. Production is down 40%, but this brilliant wine is certainly in the same league as the 2016.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97)

Moving to the two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases and 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 12% Counoise, the rest other permitted varieties (Marc calls this a Mourvèdre vintage), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports an inky purple color as well as a textbook Mourvèdre nose of black, black fruits, smoked meats, crushed rocks, charcoal, and pepper. It's deep and full-bodied, with beautiful purity and building structure. Production is down 40%, but this brilliant wine is certainly in the same league as the 2016.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

On another level, the brilliant 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin is just about all Mourvèdre (there are small amounts of Grenache, Syrah, and Counoise) brought up in a large foudre. It reveals a saturated purple color as well as a super-rich, blockbuster-styled bouquet of blackcurrants, blackberries, ground pepper, truffle, charcuterie, and God knows what else. With full-bodied richness, a stacked, opulent mid-palate, building tannins, and a sensational finish, it’s another perfect wine from this team and is unquestionably in the same realm as the 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2016. Give bottles 7-8 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 40-50 years.

Halliday Wine Companion (97)

From the estate's highest vineyard block situated on the eastern ridge of the Barossa foothills, and is a quite lovely example of shiraz grown in a temperate climate. It's medium-bodied, the bouquet full of spice, red fruits, rose petals and cherry blossom characters all translating straight to the long, supple palate. Tannins and oak are part of the backdrop, simply providing the finish of the wine.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

Produced in a new cellar, this wine gives the estate a whole new dimension of quality. The integration of the tannins and the powerful fruits is exemplary, bringing out a stylish wine that finishes with blackberry fruits. Drink from 2024.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

Produced in a new cellar, this wine gives the estate a whole new dimension of quality. The integration of the tannins and the powerful fruits is exemplary, bringing out a stylish wine that finishes with blackberry fruits. Drink from 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97)

5 Star Wine. Situated in Les Orveaux, looking to the north, cool overnight but warms up very well in the day. Starts to ripen late and steadily. Right from first sniff this is clearly a wine with immense potential. The taste of sandalwood. A sensational sweet deep raspberry with this beautiful savoury touch, reminiscent of fresh blood oranges. This 2017 Echezeaux has years ahead of it! Tasted: November 2019.

The Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 is an epitome of finesse and sophistication from the illustrious Barolo region of Italy. Crafted by renowned producer Claudio Boggione, the vino exudes harmony and balance, reflecting the artisan's meticulous attention to detail. In the creation process, it undergoes fermentation in steel, followed by ageing in large Slavonian oak casks for a span of 15 months, imbuing it with undeniable character.

The intense ruby red beauty encapsulates the authentic essence of Nebbiolo grapes, offering a rich bouquet of dried rose petals, tobacco leaves, and ripe fruits. On the palate, Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 presents a robust yet elegant flavour profile of red cherries, plums, and spices, underlined by soft tannins and an enduring finish.

With a limited production, each bottle is genuinely exclusive, making Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 a must-have for those seeking rarity and quality in fine wine.

Imbued with the grandeur of Italy’s Piedmont region, Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 is a stunning expression of Nebbiolo grapes nurtured in the Brunate vineyards of Barolo. Produced by the family-run Azienda Agricola Boggione, famed for their artisanal production of Barolos, this vintage is a testament to their commitment to traditional wine-making techniques including prolonged maceration and ageing in large Slovenian oak barrels.

Deep garnet in colour, the captivating Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 delivers a complex bouquet of rose petal, cherry and earthy truffles. Firm tannins and vibrant acidity showcase the potency and refinement that characterise Barolos of this calibre. Aged for 46 months, the wine exhibits an impressive structure and depth, culminating in a lingering finish.

Enhancing a magnificent meal or partaken as a special indulgence, the Boggione Barolo Brunate 2017 embodies the exquisite artistry and authenticity of Italian winemaking, promising an unrivalled sensory journey.

Grown with artisanal fidelity within the Piedmont region in Italy, Boniperti Vignaioli produces the exceptional Boniperti Vignaioli, Barton, Fara. The 2017 vintage stands out producing a velvety Nebbiolo blend that tantalises the palate. Hand harvested from vines aged over 50 years, the wine's grapes are meticulously selected presenting quality in every bottle.

Boniperti Vignaioli, Barton, Fara 2017 blossoms in meticulous winemaking traditions using oak barrels for 24 months to develop full-bodied, yet sophisticated flavours. The result – an elegant wine offering subtle hints of rose, anise, and ripe cherry, revealing its varietal identity with grace and intensity.

Traditionally paired with finely prepared game dishes, Boniperti Vignaioli, Barton, Fara 2017 offers robust authenticity that perfectly aligns with the culinary richness of its Italian roots. Sip your way into a world of sumptuous pleasure commanded by Boniperti Vignaioli.

Wine Advocate (97-99)

I was blown away by the prodigious fruit in the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes. Quantities are only maybe half of the 2016, so you can imagine how concentrated and rich this baby is. Waves of raspberry and cherry fruit are seductive on the nose, then crash over the palate with a tsunami of concentration and power. If time in the cellar can coax some additional elegance out of the wine, it could be a candidate for perfection.

Halliday Wine Companion (99)

One of Australia's icons. The decision not to use any new French oak, and to limit the alcohol to 13.5%, has resulted in a wine with a unique sense of place. It is also superbly balanced, dark fruits married to superfine tannins - another feature of a classic Hunter shiraz.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Elegantly structured and delicious, this fragrant red has enticing scents of ripe forest berries, iris, truffle and balsamic whiffs of camphor. Combining body and finesse, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and baking spice before an almost salty finish. Tightly knit, fine-grained tannins provide support while fresh acidity keeps it well-balanced. Drink 2024–2032.

The Wine Independent (98)

This 2017 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero is from the Monvigliero vineyard, which is the jewel in the crown of Verduno. Often described as the most Burgundy-like of Barolos, this wine lives up to its reputation. It is a medium-deep, bright and youthful ruby color with a rich, dense, intensely perfumed rose garden and hedonistic spice nose with notes of exotic sandalwood. The aromas and flavors are persistent and intense. The soft, round, velvety, silky texture and dense red berry and raspberry coulis flavors combine. There’s a little grip and bite to the tannins and maybe an element of green herb in the background. A lovely, sensual wine.

Bob Campbell MW (97)

I never swallow samples during tasting but got pretty close with this wine. It’s just so damn delicious with layer upon layer of fruit and savoury characters that defy description. A tease of fruit sweetness is balanced by gentle tannins and subtle acidity that drive a very lengthy finish. A seriously good Pinot Noir.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

This perfumed wine is rich in dark tannins and black currant flavors. It has lifted acidity and a wonderful juicy, balanced character. Very pure and well structured, this will be a great wine for aging. Drink after 2025.

The Camille Giroud Maranges 1er Cru Le Croix Moines 2017 stands as a testament to the exquisiteness of Burgundy wines. Hailing from the revered house of Camille Giroud, known for their authentic, traditional winemaking methods, this wine is a symbol of French viniculture at its finest. Crafted in the illustrious Burgundy region in eastern France, the wine embodies the profound character of the terroir, which finds expression in the elegant subtlety of its flavours.

The 2017 vintage enjoys a beautiful ruby hue, revealing an exceptional balance and depth of flavour. Ripple with the essence of ripe red fruits, earthy nuances, and a hint of spice, thanks to the meticulous ageing in oak barrels. The finish is undeniably rich, long-lasting, and harmonious. To savour the Camille Giroud Maranges 1er Cru Le Croix Moines 2017 is to embark on a sensory journey through the iconic vineyards of Burgundy.

Vinous (95)

The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is wildly perfumed, dusty and exotic, with balsam herbs, savory spices, red currants and plums coming across as so pretty yet rich and potent. A silky display of sour wild berries contrasted by candied citrus wows the senses as the 2017 plays a zesty sweet-and-sour act upon the palate. It’s long, youthfully chewy, yet still remarkably fresh, with rosy florals and tart, tart cherries giving way to chiseled tannins through the finale. This is a beautiful rendition of the 2017 vintage, one that takes the dry warmth of the year and expresses it with tremendous energy and verve. What's more, I revisited this bottle over the course of 36 hours and it only got better with time.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

Nicolas Audebert and his team have done it again. The 2017 Canon is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage. Rich and vertical in construction, the 2017 possesses off-the-charts richness and intensity in all of its dimensions. In the glass, the 2017 is sumptuous and layered, with superb detail and tons of sheer pedigree. In 20 years, readers will have a fabulous time tasting the 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 together and debating their respective merits. Dark plum fruit, striking Franc aromatics and the clean, focused energy of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau make for a ravishing, exquisite wine of the highest level. In a word: breathtaking.