Monthelie Les Duresses Comtes Lafon 2017 (750ML)

90 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Deep ruby. Pungent red and blue fruit and floral scents are complemented by suggestions of succulent herbs and white pepper. Lively, penetrating and appealingly sweet, showing good depth as well as detail to the black raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors. Finishes long and smoky, with supple tannins coming in late." 03/19

90 Points, JM, Wine Spectator: "Bold dark cherry compote flavors are liberally laced with violet, savory and singed anise notes. Features a nice flash of warm earth through the finish. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2021. 15,000 cases made, 1,700 cases imported" 11/19

90 Points, Allen Meadows, Burghound: "An agreeably fresh and bright nose combines notes of various red berries, spice and a whiff of earth. The delicious, racy and wonderfully refreshing middle weight flavors possess fine depth and persistence on the moderately structured finish that should ensure successful aging over the short to mid-term. A quality Duresses. " 4/19

90 Points, John Gilman, View from the Cellar: "The 2017 Monthélie "les Duresses" had already been assembled in tank back at the end of September and was to be bottled a few weeks after my visit. The wine is quite lovely this year, offering up a pure and classy bouquet of red and black cherries, dark chocolate, gamebird, woodsmoke, a touch of vanillin oak and a fine base of dark soil tones. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very nicely transparent this year, with a solid core of fruit, moderate tannins and lovely focus and grip on the long and bouncy finish. Good juice that will drink beautifully with only a couple of years in the cellar. 2021-2045+." 12/18

90 Points, Decanter: "If you want to experience a little bit of Lafon red wine magic at an approachable price, this is an appealingly pure expression of a higher elevation Pinot Noir. It's all potpourri scents, stylish 20% new wood and fine-boned tannins. Drinking Window 2020 - 2024." 1/19