Chateau Cissac Haut Medoc 2017

Château Cissac Cru Bourgeois Haut Medoc, Bordeaux, France, 2017

Grapes: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, 45ha vineyard on sandy gravel soil, 34 year old vines, 49hl/ha yield, hand harvested, aged 14 months in French oak (30% new)

Producer Tasting Note:

With the wonderfully ripe berries of the various grape varieties, together with very selective harvesting, we decided on a vinification method based on extractions at low temperatures and long macerations. The wines are opulent, with lashings of well-rounded tannins, smooth and succulent – pure velvet. (Laurent Saint Pasteur, technical director).

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"The 2017 Cissac has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar, brown spices and a touch of leather, some new oak (30%) needing a few months to fully integrate. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and good grip. A saline finish urges you back for another sip. This is a commendable Cissac that makes the most of the vintage. Recommended as it is often a great value."

90/100 points, Neal Martin, Vinous

"The Cabernet Sauvignon and 18 months in wood have given the latest release from this always reliable estate great character and structure. Black currants fruits and balanced tannins are sustained by acidity and a juicy, succulent aftertaste. Drink this wine from 2023."

90/100 points, Roger Voss, WINE ENTHUSIAST, May 2020