CHÂTEAU LALANDE BORIE
2017 Saint Julien
This is the third Bruno Borie wine in the appellation, made from vineyards which sit to the west of the Ducru-Beaucaillou and Le Croix de Beaucaillou vines. There was a little frost here, but only first-generation fruit was picked for this cuvée. The picking dates here are the same, starting on September 18th. The alcohol is 13.36%, the total acidity 3.37 g/l and the IPT is 70. The blend is led by Merlot, at 66% of the total, the other 34% all Cabernet Sauvignon. While Merlot dominance is atypical for the second wine, here the blend is quite typical. There is an attractive, dusty, perfumed fruit-rich character here, to this very typical blend. I find the same fruit-led character on the palate, with plush blackcurrant and damson fruit, and a sooty, black olive underlay. It has medium-grained tannins, lovely substance and fresh acidity. This is quite delicious, showing substance and grip, with a nicely chalky tannic backbone to the finish. It will drink very well in 5-10 years time. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (May 2018)
* This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.
The 2017 Lalande-Borie, which was created by Jean-Eugène Borie in 1970, is matured in 30% new oak for 12 months. It has a well-defined bouquet with slightly broody dark fruit that need some encouragement from the glass. Here there is a majority of red rather than black fruit, complemented by bay leaf and a touch of truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, crisp acidity, very focused with tangible mineralité that surfaces on the final third of the wine. Good potential. I like the sapid nature of this wine and it should drink well over the next decade. Drinking range: 2020 - 2030 Rating: 89-91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2018)
50% lost to frost, cold area close to Lagrange. 66% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon. TA (sulphuric) 3.37 g/l, pH 3.75, IPT 70. Deep crimson. Lifted cherry fruit overlaid with oak sweetness. Juicy fruit with just a slight bitterness as if the extraction was slightly hard, but nice fruit in the middle. Really juicy on the finish and the tannins are fine and add to the length. Good freshness. (JH) 13.36%. Drinking range: 2023 - 2030 Rating: 16 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2018)
Bruno Borie mentioned that there was a little frost on the western part of Saint-Julien here. A blend of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium garnet-purple colored 2017 Lalande-Borie has a beautiful nose of red roses, dusty soil and powdered cinnamon with a core of red currants, black cherries and kirsch plus a touch of warm plums. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewy frame and lively backbone supporting the muscular fruit, finishing savory and with great persistence. To be aged for 12 months in barrel, in one-third new oak. Rating: 88-90 Lisa Perrotti-Brown, RobertParker.com (Apr 2018)
From the terrific team at Ducru-Beaucaillou, the 2017 Château Lalande-Borie checks in as a blend of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 30% new oak. It’s a downright pretty, elegant Saint-Julien that has a silky, soft, pure character to go with a floral, spice-laden bouquet. It’s not a powerhouse, with medium body and moderate concentration, yet it’s impeccably balanced and will keep for a over a decade. Rating: 87-89 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Apr 2018)
A firm and tight center palate with dark berry, currant, and mint character. Full body, layered and flavorful. Shows a solid mid-palate. Rating: 91-92 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2018)
50% frost here, but the wine seems remarkably unscathed. They harvested the second generation fruit, but didn't use it in the blend, which is in fact the same as usual but just in lesser quantities. The result is a soft but well-rounded and finessed wine with black cherry fruit and charcoal and vanilla bean notes. A good job here - an early drinking pleasure. 3.75pH. 30% new oak. Drinking range: 2022 - 2032 Rating: 87 Jane Anson, Decanter (Apr 2018)
Warm in feel, with plum and blackberry compote notes backed by charcoal and tobacco accents. Shows a lot of range, but also solid flesh and depth. Rating: 88-91 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2018)