2017 Barrabaque Cuvee Prestige
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
A real sleeper in 2017, Barrabaque's Cuvée Prestige is bold, luscious and super-expressive, not to mention wonderfully inviting. Dark red/purplish berry fruit, spice, mint, rose petals and licorice infuse the 2017 with striking layers of dimension. The Cuvée Prestige was done mostly in cement, with about 20% oak. More importantly, it is an exquisitely delicious wine. Fronsac is rarely this elegant.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby/purple-colored, the 2017 Chateau Barrabaque Prestige is beautiful stuff. Loads of black raspberry, chocolate, spice, and flowery notes emerge from this plush, medium-bodied, textured effort that has the structure and depth to evolve for a decade. The blend is 80% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec, aged 15 months in 30% new French oak. Thomas Duclos also consults here and the quality shows.
Ripe, darker fruit here with plums and mulberries, as well as plenty of oak spice in the mix. A bright, juicy palate with plenty of tannin purchase. A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec. Drink or hold.
Tight and focused with a pretty core of ripe fruit and spices. Medium body and a bright finish. Better than 2016?