2017 La Serre
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Tasting notes
La Serre's location on the top of the plateau meant it didn't suffer frost in 2017 (nor in 2021) and this is really one to look out for in this vintage. Finely-boned, with delicate tannins, full of finesse and a pure fruit character that jumps of the glass. Gentle raspblerry and blueberry, not as powerful as many other vintages in the lineup, but one where the pleasure of understated flavours becomes clear, and again one that shows the impact of limestone soils on a wine - salinity, purity, finesse, rigour. Harvest 18 September for the young vines, then 22-23 September for Merlot and 30 September for the Cabernet Francs. No need to wait too long to drink this. 50% new oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2017 La Serre is dark, powerful and hearty - all qualities that make it a terrific choice for drinking at the dinner table over the next handful of years. Sweet tobacco, game, licorice, spice and dark-toned fruit add to an impression of virile power. La Serre is a pretty bold, rustic Saint-Émilion, but a little air does wonders to polish some of the rougher edges. Tasted two times.
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 La Serre is composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc and features notions of Morello cherries, warm plums and black raspberries with hints of spice cake, tree bark and cracked black pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers bags of juicy red and black fruits with a soft texture and refreshing finish.
The 2017 La Serre is frequently one of my entry level picks from the Ets J-P Moueix range, but in this vintage it never quite tickles my fancy as much as others. Granted, there are those lovely Morello cherry and crushed strawberry scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, modest weight, gentle cranberry and raspberry notes with brown spices towards the finish. It just does not quite "kick on" like other vintages and as such, I am inclined to broach this within its first 6 to 8 years.