Marquis d’Alesme Margaux 2017

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Blockbuster stuff, the 2017 Chateau Marquis D'Alesme Becker hails from a 15-hectare vineyard of mostly sandy, gravelly soils located in the heart of the Margaux appellation. Since the arrival of Marjolaine de Coninck in 2009, this estate has been firing on all cylinders. The 2017 is based on 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 65% new French oak, with the balance in a mix of 1-4-year-old barrels. Inky hued with stunning notes of cassis, ground herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and smoked earth, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, concentrated texture, ripe tannins, and a solid spine of acidity. This backward, unevolved 2017 has all the right components but needs 5-7 years of bottle age. Drink: 2025+. (2/26/20)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Marquis d'Alesme is a powerful, dark Margaux. Black cherry, plum, crème de cassis, tobacco, leather, menthol, espresso and tobacco accents add to the wine's decidedly potent feel. Ample and creamy on the palate, the 2017 shows the important presence of Merlot in the blend, which among other things, gives a real sense of immediacy. Drink: 2025-2037. (Mar 2020)"

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The 2017 Marquis d'Alesme Becker is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it has a very serious, classic nose of warm cassis, cedar chest, pencil lead and fragrant earth with wafts of violets and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, it has a solid backbone of firm, ripe, grainy tannins and a muscular mid-palate of tightly wound layers, delivering lovely purity and great length. Drink: 2023-2042. (3/16/20)"

92 points Decanter: "Rich in colour, with spicy cinnamon and black pepper notes followed by a silky texture in the mouth with good persistency. It's a success in the vintage, layered and appealing with a gourmet dash of grilled oak. It's confident and extends its hand, with a nod to Margaux typicity. Drink 2025-2038. (04/08/18)."

92 points Wine Spectator: "Dark cherry and plum compote flavors are well-rendered, backed by licorice root, black tea and singed alder notes. The structure is fine-grained, letting the fruit linger before a light sanguine element chimes in at the very end. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032. 4,500 cases made. (03/31/20)."