Bordeaux 2017: What are the ratings for wines from the Saint-Estèphe appellation?
The 2017 vintage was largely defined by frost and its consequences. But let's not forget that some appellations were spared. Saint-Estèphe, with its ideal location near the river and its exceptional terroirs on gravelly plateaus and hillocks, suffered no damage. Yields were identical to 2016. And the quality is certainly there! The wines have a beautiful deep color, are dense, and well-balanced.
The team's favorites were the wines from Château Calon Ségur and Capbern and of course the big ones Montrose and Cos d'Estournel. In a more affordable price range, the Château Lilian Ladouys is always a delight and beautifully elegant. Also worth noting is the Château Meyney, which remains consistent in the quality of the wines produced.
Ratings from influential critics for the Saint-Estèphe appellation
| NAME | WA | Vinous AG | Vinous NM | JMQ | WS | JS | RVF |
| Château Calon-Ségur | 92-94 | 90-93 | 92-94 | 95 | 91-94 | 92-93 | 18-18,5 |
| Château Capbern | 85-87 | 89-91 | 89 | 88-91 | 91-93 | ||
| Château Cos d'Estournel | 97-100 | 92-95 | 94-96 | 94 | 97-98 | 17,5-18 | |
| Château Cos Labory | 90-92 | 90-92 | 89 | 90-91 | 16,5-17 | ||
| Château Haut-Marbuzet | 89-91 | 90 | 90-91 | 16,5-17 | |||
| Château Lafon-Rochet | 85-87 | 89-91 | 91-93 | 91 | 87-90 | 92-93 | 16,5-17 |
| Château Lilian Ladouys | 88-90 | 89-91 | 88-91 | 90-91 | |||
| Château Meyney | 86-88 | 90-92 | 91 | 87-90 | 92-93 | 15,5-16,5 | |
| Château Montrose | 96-99 | 92-95 | 94-96 | 95 | 91-94 | 96-97 | 17-18 |
| Château Elms of Pez | 88-90 | 91-93 | 90 | 88-91 | 92-93 | ||
| Château Phélan Ségur | 87-89 | 90-93 | 89-91 | 90 | 89-92 | 92-93 | 16-17 |
| La Dame de Montrose | 89-91 | 88-90 | 90 | 91-92 | |||
| Les Pagodes de Cos | 90-92 | 89-91 | 90-92 | 90 | 92-93 | ||
| Marquis de Calon | 88-90 | 88-90 | 91 | 89-90 |
The critics' reviews are very positive for the Château Cos d'EstournelIt retains its position as the leading wine in the appellation. Lisa Perrotti-Brown It ranks among the best wines of the 2017 vintage with a score of 97-100!
Château Montrose also enjoys great success, one of the best Montrose tasted by Lisa Perrotti-Brown. Neal Martin also gave it a very positive review, although his rating was lower. Jean-Marc Quarin also awarded it the highest rating in the appellation!
Finally the Château Calon-Ségur, a true favorite of the Cavissima team. It tops the appellation rankings according to the Revue du Vin de France. It is remarkably elegant and precise! A true gem.
In conclusion, you will have understood that we were thrilled by the wines of the Saint-Estèphe appellationThe presence of the Gironde estuary, the quality of the terroir, and above all, the quality of the work carried out in the vineyard and the cellar have allowed for the production of great wines. These wines possess a surprising freshness, low alcohol levels, and significant aging potential. 2017 is a vintage year for Saint-Estèphe!