Varietal mix 60% Merlot
14% Cabernet Franc
12% Syrah
10% Malbec
4% Cabernet Sauvignon

Maturing 12 months in French oak barrels
25% new barrels
75% one- to three-year-old barrels

Tasting notes

The wine has a deep and dense colour with a garnet tint.

The rich and complex nose opens on aromas of perfectly ripe black fruit. With airing, succulent touches of spice and liquorice mingle with the blackberry aromas in the most delightful way.

The attack reveals a dense, satin texture set off by notes of spirit-preserved fruit, pepper and dark chocolate, while succulent, juicy and flavoursome tannins underpin a generous and complete mid-palate, leading into a nicely balanced and exceptionally long finish with a hint of vanilla.

2017 was the warmest year at Saint-Polycarpe since 2003 and the driest since 2006. The winter was mild and dry, but a good amount of rainfall in March (132mm) helped to replenish water reserves in the soil.

Budbreak came very early, starting on 18 March, five days earlier than the average.

High temperatures and moderate rainfall during the spring caused the vines to flower early, between 22 May and 5 June, about ten days earlier than in an average year.

The weather in June, July and August was hot, 1.5° higher than the average, and drier than usual, with 20% less rain.
Veraison occurred early, starting on 24 July and ending on 5 August.

Picking started with the Merlot on 13 September, 17 days earlier than in an average year, and ended on 5 October with the Cabernet Sauvignon parcel.
The grapes were in perfect health, though smaller than usual.
Drought meant that the average yield in 2017 was 42 hl/ha, 15% less than in a normal year.