Chateau La Cabanne 2016

JAMES SUCKLING: "A beautifully floral and fragrant wine that has deep, slate and stony nuances with abundant fresh berries, plums and mulberries. The slate and graphite continue to the finish with a wealth of super fine, plush and concentrated tannins. Try from 2022."

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes Purpurgranat mit aufhellendem Rand. Dichtes Bouquet mit roten Kirschen und hellem Tabak, dahinter rote Pflaumen und Rosenholz. Im Gaumen fleischig, sattes, feinmürbes Extrakt, im langen Finale mit roter Johannisbeere und Schattenmorellen. Kann am Erfolg des Vorjahres anknüpfen!"

DECANTER: "One of the best in the line-up, with a silky velvety texture, seriously seductive blackberry and black cherry fruit, wafting woodsmoke and grilled cedar and fresh acidities matched at every step by muscled tannin and fruit. Accomplished and extremely enjoyable. 55% new oak. Drinking Window 2023 - 2042"

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2016 La Cabanne is a blend of 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc picked from the end of September. François Estager told me that like last year, he did not add any sulphites until after the malolactic fermentation. It has a well-defined bouquet with black cherries, a touch of cassis, a lovely marine influence and crushed violets. It opens beautifully in the glass. The palate is fresh on the entry with crisp, tensile tannin and very well-judged acidity. This Pomerol displays great energy and poise, fanning out on the second half that demonstrates superb mineralité. This is an unmissable follow-up to the 2015 La Cabanne. Tasted twice with consistent notes."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, Dörrzwetschken, etwas Feigen, kandierte Orangenzesten, ein Hauch von Nougat im Hintergrund. Saftig, elegant, reife Herzkirschen, straffe Tannine, schokoladig und gut anhaftend, mineralischer Nachhall."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "It is easy to find all the ripe, sweet, round, fresh cherries surrounded by cocoa, black plums and earth on the nose and mouth. Soft and smooth, this will start showing really well with 3-4 years of age."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2016 Château La Cabanne checks in as 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc brought up in 45% new French oak. Coming from the team of Thomas Duclos, it has a spicy, dark-fruited, ripe, sexy style as well as medium to full-bodied richness, good concentration, beautiful elegance and purity, and a great finish. It plays in the seamless, elegant style of the vintage yet has beautiful fruit and should keep for 15+ years."