2017 Les Asteries

The 2017 Les Astéries shows more amplitude than the Pontet Labrie with camphor-tinged black fruit that gains intensity with aeration. This is one of the more elegant Les Astéries that I have encountered in bottle. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine acidity, lively and focused with a touch of white pepper towards the sustained finish. Very harmonious and showing fine _mineralité _, you can approach this over the next 15 years.

Coming from more hard-packed limestone and clay soils next to Château Fonroque and the standard blend of 80/20 Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-hued 2017 Les Asteries is a step up from the other releases from Maltus and has rocking levels of blackcurrants, plums, chocolate, crushed rocks, and violets on the nose. This carries to a full-bodied, powerful wine that has beautiful concentration, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for 15-20 years in cool cellars.

The 2017 Les Astéries was picked on 3 October, was 13.25° alcohol, and is matured in 80% new oak. It has a perfumed bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit – cranberry, crème de cassis and wilted violets, all nicely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fairly succulent tannin, a fine bead of acidity, quite fresh in the mouth with a gentle grip towards the finish. This is a toned-down version of Les Astéries compared to previous vintages that it suits it well.