Chateau Badette 2016

JEB DUNNUCK: "A straight-up thrill ride of a Saint-Emilion, the 2016 Château Badette comes from a complex mix of clay and sandstone soils and checks in as a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in 85% new French oak. A big blast of crème de cassis, crushed flowers, white truffle, and spice all flows to a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has beautiful ripeness and depth as well as balance. It has the purity and texture to shine today, yet I suspect itwill have two decades of life. Bravo!"

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Badette (composed of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) leaps from the glass with Black Forest cake, warm black plums and blueberry compote notes with suggestions of baking spices, fragrant earth and menthol plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with black fruit and spicy sparks, framed by firm, rounded tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This offers succulent and ripe dark plum and berry aromas with a wealth of assertive tannins that deliver in quite classic style. Good and powerful, assertive finish here. A blend of 85 per cent merlot, 15 per cent cabernet franc and five per cent petit verdot. Try from 2022."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Located close to Troplong Mondot, this is a new player in the Saint Emilion hit parade. The new owners have a spare no expense attitude to produce the best wine possible and it shows. The wine is dark in color, intense, lush, powerful and silky. There is heft, but also freshness and the finish, with its dense layers of black fruit, licorice and earth leave a long impression. This still sells for a song for a wine of this quality."