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The 2017 de Candale is a pleasant, easygoing Saint-Émilion to drink now and over the next decade. Black cherry, tobacco, spice, grilled herbs, licorice and menthol add shades of nuance to a powerful, somewhat burly wine with plenty of character, but not a lot of finesse. I would give the 2017 a few years to allow the tannins to soften. Tasted two times.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Blended of 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Candale reveals a deep garnet-purple color. It opens with fragrant notions of warm red and black cherries, plum preserves and black raspberries with touches of cigar box, baking spices and tobacco leaf. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with loads of red and black fruit layers, framed by velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and savory.
Notes of mulled cherries, Asian spices, sandalwood, and a touch of tobacco all emerge from the 2017 Chateau De Candale, and it's medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and elegant on the palate. Like most 2017s, it's not massive yet shines for its classic, balanced style. It's going to drink nicely for over a decade. The blend is 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, and it spent 14 months in 35% new French oak.
The 2017 de Candale is plump, juicy and forward, all of which give it considerable near and medium term appeal. Delicate and quite pretty, the 2017 is very nicely done.