A solid and rich wine with blackberry and blueberry character. Medium-to full-bodied and firm and silky-textured. Tiny production. Only 10% of what’s usually made.
91-92 Points, James Suckling

There is only 10% of the normal production this year, from the best clay and limestone soils in Fronsac that they can find. Unusually, this is 100% Merlot this year—all the Cabernet Franc vines were lost to frost. Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Guinaudeau G Acte 9 gives up kirsch, red currant jelly, roses and fresh blackberries with a touch of garrigue. The palate is medium-bodied, vibrant, bright and fresh with very soft tannins and a lift on the finish.
90-92 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate

The 2017 Acte 9, which was picked on 21 September, has a linear, conservative bouquet with black fruit mixed with red plum, briary, wild hedgerow and sous-bois notes, just a hint of black olive developing with aeration. The palate is smooth and purple in the mouth, fleshier than usual due to the 100% Merlot. The Cabernet Franc was hit hard but the frost and wiped out. Hints of white pepper surface towards the finish that is less powerful than usual but feels long and tender.
89-91 Points, Neal Martin