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Southwold 2017s – left-bank reds

2017 first growths at 2021 Southwold tasting

The second of three reports on this year's Southwold-on-Thames blind tasting of 2017 bordeaux. See yesterday's report on right-bank reds and to come tomorrow, the whites, dry and sweet. See this guide to our coverage of 2017 bordeaux. Above, the first growths, including both bottles of Ch Lafite that were opened.

Though the group didn’t quite find the same peaks on the left bank as on the right bank, there were still some excellent examples, and perhaps a touch more consistency among the best-value picks. Cabernet Sauvignon’s intrinsic acidity and structure often made the wines less approachable and enjoyable...