Chateau Marquis d´Alesme Becker 2016

DECANTER:"There has been a lot of investment in this property from the all-female team, from owner Nathalie Perrodo to winemaker Marjolaine Maurice-de Coninck. Don't think this means a feminine take on the vintage though; we have the full gamut of chewy tannins running through well structured, ripe cassis fruit. It holds back on the finish, with a sense of confidence and careful extraction. Maybe not as floral as some, but for me it's another step up in quality from this fast-rising estate."

JEB DUNNUCK:"Talk about a gem in the vintage, I was blown away by the 2016 Château Marquis d'Alesme Becker on each of the three times I was able to taste it. This estate has been on an undeniable roll since the arrival of Marjolaine de Conicnck in 2009, and the 2016 is unquestionably the best yet. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc, brought up in 65% new French oak, its deep purple color is followed by an essence of Cabernet bouquet that includes loads of crème de cassis, blueberries, graphite, crushed rocks, sandalwood, and violets. Almost Saint Julien in style, this beauty is laser-focused on the palate, medium to full-bodied, brilliantly textured, and has a blockbuster finish. It deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will keep for 25-30 years. Bravo!"

FALSTAFF:"Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, dezente Randaufhellung, reife Pflaumen, schokoladiger Touch, schwarze Beeren unterlegt. Mittlere Komplexität, schwarze Kirschen, präsente Tannine, dunkle Beerenfrucht im Abgang, Nougat im Nachhall, hat Potenzial."

ANTONIO GALLONI:"The 2016 Marquis d'Alesme Becker is going to need a few years to come into its own, but there is no question it has turned out beautifully. Espresso, savory herb, licorice, mint and raspberry jam build in a resonant, expressive Margaux that speaks with a real sense of distinction."

JAMES SUCKLING:"Ripe and fragrant nose that says Margaux loud and clear. Then comes the rather concentrated and powerful palate, where the supple tannins build nicely. Needs some time for them to resolve. Try it in 2022."

THE WINEADVOCATE:"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Marquis d'Alesme Becker leaps from the glass with gregarious notions of plum preserves, crème de cassis and Black Forest cake with hints of potpourri, star anise, menthol and tapenade. Full, rich, firm and grainy, with fantastic freshness lifting the densely packed palate, it has a long, beautifully fragrant finish."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER:"Elegant, refined, deep and pure, the wine is silky, fresh, deep and concentrated. The dark fruits easily fill your palate with soft, silky tannins, juicy ripe ripes and a lush, polished, sexy finish. This is a Margaux to keep an eye on."

WEINWISSER:"Sattes Purpurgranat mit violettem Rand. Reife Nase mit Pflaumen und Schattenmorellen, dahinter viel duftiges Cassis. Sehr mächtiger Gaumen mit engmaschigem Tanningerüst – was für eine Kraft hat dieser Wein! Straff gewoben mit süssem Extrakt zeigt er sich als Kraftprotz mit explodierendem, langem Finale auf Blaubeeren. Hat mich dieses Jahr voll überzeugt!"

WINESPECTATOR:"Alluring, with a core of warmed plum sauce and black currant paste flavors, melding with incense, black tea and alder notes. Shows a velvety texture on the finish and a perfumy echo as the fruit lingers gently. Best from 2022 through 2032."