Wine Advocate (96-98)

The 2016 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Carmenere picked from 22 September until 17 October (the tiny parcel of Carmenere picked three days later). The yields came in at 51 hectoliters per hectare and it is matured in 75% new oak and 25% one-year-old barrels, the final alcohol level 13.3%. It has a beautifully defined, very detailed bouquet with mineral-rich black fruit laced with cedar and graphite notes, living up to its nom de plume as the Pauillac of Margaux. The palate is simply the best that I have ever tasted at the estate, without question. This has presence, but also weightlessness, filigree tannin and perfectly pitched acidity, with real intensity and drive. The tension here is outstanding and the persistence is incredibly long. It is not the showiest of all the 2016s by a long stretch, and yet it is everything you could possibly want from a Margaux. Like Beychevelle this year, the 2016 Brane-Cantenac puts recent vintages in the shade, thanks not only to the growing season, but also a new punching down system in their gravity-fed winery that was completed in 2015. The 2016 is a benchmark against which future vintages will be compared.

Introducing Brown 2016, a remarkable vintage capturing the essence of the finest vineyards nestled in Napa Valley, California. As an expert wine connoisseur, I can confidently affirm that the Brown 2016 is an exemplar of premium and complex winemaking.

Characterised by an enticing blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, Brown 2016 is hand-harvested and aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, lending it a lush, full-bodied profile. Its striking bouquet of ripe blackberries, toasted spices, and a hint of mocha deliver palate-pleasing complexity. The exhilaratingly long finish leaves a lasting impression on the taste buds.

Produced by Brown Estate, a family-owned entity with a rich winemaking heritage, Brown 2016 embodies their commitment to sustainable viticulture and meticulous craftsmanship, transcending ordinary oenological boundaries. This wine exemplifies what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation, a symphony of flavours in a bottle. Savour the Brown 2016 experience, an unmissable addition for discerning collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.

Vinous (96)

The 2016 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has a generous and pleasing nose with scents of strawberry preserve, crushed stone, rose petals and subtle orange-blossom. This is refined and transparent. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins. Beautifully balanced, this has a symmetry that is beguiling and classic. A little austere finish suggests it will benefit from several years in bottle. Utterly beguiling with enormous ageing potential. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

The 2016 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Clos du Fonteny, a monopole of the domaine, has a beautiful bouquet with dark berry fruit, blackberry and light orange blossom scents. This just blossoms with a couple of swirls, displaying impressive vigor while maintaining detail. The palate is stunning: wonderful focus, so much tension and you can really feel the calcaire on the tensile finish. This represents an outstanding offering from Bruno and it comes highly recommended.

Vinous (88-91)

(losses to frost were only 30% here, vs. 80% for the Grasses Têtes): Good dark red. Very ripe aromas of black cherry and mocha. At once sweeter and sappier than the Grasses Têtes, offering noteworthy concentration and definition to its juicy dark fruit flavors. Showing much more early personality too. Finishes with serious but pliant tannins.

The Bruno Clair Marsannay Rouge 2016 is a splendid embodiment of fine French winemaking. Expertly crafted in the heart of Burgundy, this charming Pinot Noir captures the essence of its Marsannay terroir with finesse. Its brilliance stems from Bruno Clair's philosophical winemaking approach, one that emphasizes minimal interference and meticulous attention to detail. An advocate of sustainable viticulture, Clair's respect for the soil affords a robust concentration of flavour.

This wine displays vibrant ruby hues, exuding ripe red fruits, including cherries and currants on the nose. On the palate, it impresses with its elegant tannins, the subtle spiciness of clove blending with its fruit-driven core. The wine's natural acidity and balance make it accessible within its youthful stage, whilst indicating a long life ahead.

The Bruno Clair Marsannay Rouge 2016 is a testament to the producer's profound understanding of the vine and a dedication to the authentic expression of its origin.

Embodied with a harmony of rich characteristics, Calicem 2016 exhibits the marvellous elegance of a finely crafted Bordeaux red wine. The beauty of this blend starts in Bordeaux's celebrated vineyards of Medoc, where the most delicate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes flourish. Using traditional French winemaking practices with an exquisite touch of modernity, the wine is matured for 18 months in oak barrels, infusing it with an intricate infusion of spiced and woody notes.

The genius behind Calicem 2016 is Patrice Lévêque, a renowned oenologist who cultivates his wines with an unwavering focus on precision and quality. The result is an enchanting wine with a remarkable structure and a complex bouquet of black fruit, cedar and spice, underpinned by velvety tannins. A seamless fusion of depth and balance, Calicem 2016 captures the essence of Bordeaux's terroir, offering a distinguished drinking experience to refined palates. A witness to the timeless art of French viticulture, Calicem 2016 is pure pleasure poured into a glass.

James Suckling (98-99)

Wow. This is the Calon we have been waiting for! Intensity and power. Chewy and polished tannins. Full body, great depth. It goes on for minutes. Shows a classic, historical character that really excites me. The essence of this estate and St.-Estèphe. Best ever?

Vinous (95)

The 2016 Chambertin Grand Cru has a luscious and generous bouquet with plenty of raspberry preserve and crushed strawberry scents, seamlessly integrated oak and entrancing mineralité. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, pliant and velvety smooth, fanning out with supreme confidence towards the pixelated finish. Brilliant. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.

Sample the essence of Burgundy with Camus Pere et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 2016, a stunning testament of French viticulture. Renowned vintner, Camus Pere et Fils, utilises Pinot Noir grapes, handpicked from Gevrey-Chambertin, an esteemed wine commune located in the Côte de Nuits. This elegant 2016 vintage embodies 150 years of Camus family's wine mastery.

The grapes undergo meticulous fermentation, often unfined and unfiltered to maintain original flavours. Ageing in French oak barrels yields a complex, multi-faceted wine - its bold red fruit notes harmonising perfectly with earthy undertones. With balanced acidity and a rich tannic backbone, this wine offers a robust long-lasting finish.

Its robust character sets it apart, attracting global acclaim. The Camus Pere et Fils Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 2016 is not just a wine; it's a remarkable solitaire encapsulating the spirit of Burgundy in each bottle. Savor it today for an exclusive taste of fine French winemaking.

Wine Advocate (98+)

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc and aged for 18 months in 70% new French barriques, the 2016 Canon is medium to deep garnet-purple in color, and—WOW—it opens with the most stunning perfume of violets, red roses and kirsch, giving way to a core of black cherry preserves, chocolate box, licorice, warm plums and Chinese five spice plus an earthy waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with expressive, perfumed black berry layers accented by lively red fruits and exotic spices, supported by impressively fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing very long with jaw-dropping energy. Tasted three times, I had one opportunity to taste the 2015 and 2016 Canon side by side. While I love the bold, rich, seductive nature of the 2015, this 2016 kicks it up a notch in terms of polish, precision, depth and persistence. Most notably, the superbly ripe, exquisitely fine-grained tannins on this 2016 bring to the table a whole other level of sophistication. Bravo!

Wine Advocate (98+)

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc and aged for 18 months in 70% new French barriques, the 2016 Canon is medium to deep garnet-purple in color, and—WOW—it opens with the most stunning perfume of violets, red roses and kirsch, giving way to a core of black cherry preserves, chocolate box, licorice, warm plums and Chinese five spice plus an earthy waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with expressive, perfumed black berry layers accented by lively red fruits and exotic spices, supported by impressively fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing very long with jaw-dropping energy. Tasted three times, I had one opportunity to taste the 2015 and 2016 Canon side by side. While I love the bold, rich, seductive nature of the 2015, this 2016 kicks it up a notch in terms of polish, precision, depth and persistence. Most notably, the superbly ripe, exquisitely fine-grained tannins on this 2016 bring to the table a whole other level of sophistication. Bravo!

Wine Advocate (98+)

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc and aged for 18 months in 70% new French barriques, the 2016 Canon is medium to deep garnet-purple in color, and—WOW—it opens with the most stunning perfume of violets, red roses and kirsch, giving way to a core of black cherry preserves, chocolate box, licorice, warm plums and Chinese five spice plus an earthy waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with expressive, perfumed black berry layers accented by lively red fruits and exotic spices, supported by impressively fine-grained tannins and fantastic tension, finishing very long with jaw-dropping energy. Tasted three times, I had one opportunity to taste the 2015 and 2016 Canon side by side. While I love the bold, rich, seductive nature of the 2015, this 2016 kicks it up a notch in terms of polish, precision, depth and persistence. Most notably, the superbly ripe, exquisitely fine-grained tannins on this 2016 bring to the table a whole other level of sophistication. Bravo!

A radiant gem among fine wines, Canon Chaigneau 2016 hails from the heartland of French viticulture, Bordeaux's esteemed Lalande-de-Pomerol. A meticulouly-crafted blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, it owes its elegance and structure to vines averaging 35 years of age gracing gravel over clay soils. Its birth in stainless steel vats was followed by a dexterous finessing for 13 months in French oak barrels.

An instance of Château Chaigneau's exemplary stewardship, Canon Chaigneau 2016 offers an aromatic barrage of ripe black fruits, notes of truffle, and an endearing undercurrent of minerality, culminating in a finish that lingers delicately on the palate. As it distances from its well-rounded youth, it unfurls into a richer, more complex marvel, a testament to the deft marriage of terroir and traditional vinification. Capturing the quintessence of Bordeaux's winemaking pedigree, Canon Chaigneau 2016 remains a cherished offering from Château Chaigneau.

The Wine Independent (98)

The 2016 Canon la Gaffeliere has a deep garnet color. It bursts on the scene with exuberant notes of juicy blackberries, plum preserves, and fruit cake, plus suggestions of clove oil, mocha, and Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is full-on rich and decadent, featuring velvety tannins and just enough freshness to match the concentrated black fruit and spicy layers, finishing with epic length.

The Wine Independent (98)

The 2016 Canon la Gaffeliere has a deep garnet color. It bursts on the scene with exuberant notes of juicy blackberries, plum preserves, and fruit cake, plus suggestions of clove oil, mocha, and Indian spices. The full-bodied palate is full-on rich and decadent, featuring velvety tannins and just enough freshness to match the concentrated black fruit and spicy layers, finishing with epic length.

Wine Enthusiast (95)

This is another successful vintage from this estate. It is so finely structured that you notice the blackberry fruit more than the tannins, with a seam of crisp acidity throughout.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2016 Cantenac Brown seems to have grown aromatically since I last tasted it a few months ago. More complex than I remember, this offers a cornucopia of scents: blackberry, briary, cedar and a lovely mintiness that recalls Palmer. The palate is silky smooth with great depth and delineation, satin-like, multi-layered, precocious black fruit laced with black pepper, tea leaves and cloves, all fanning out gloriously towards the finish. Bon vin! Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.

An exceptional Bordeaux blend, Cap Saint George 2016 from France’s prestigious Saint Georges Saint Émilion appellation, impresses with sumptuous flavours and distinguished pedigree. This regal blend expertly marries Cabernet Franc and Merlot, cultivated in the esteemed vineyards of JCP Maltus, distinguished producers of world-class wines since 1994. Cap Saint George 2016 is awash with the prestige of the 'clay-limestone' soil in which its grapes have flourished, yielding a pronounced flavour profile.

This liquescent treasure unveils intoxicating aromas of ripe red fruit layered with subtle mocha nuances. On the palate, it is beautifully balanced, showing poised tannins and an elegant, lingering finish. The wine’s complexity has been honed through 18 months in new and one-year-old French oak barrels, adding layers of sophistication. Fans of Cap Saint George 2016 can expect a wine that captures the quintessence of the exceptional terroir from which it springs.

James Suckling (92-93)

Love the stone, tar and black currant in this. Full and tight with firm and silky tannins and a long, long finish. Spicy, too. Can’t wait to see how this evolves. Serious.

James Suckling (94-95)

The most tannic and textured Carruades ever. Full-bodied, big and powerful. Very, very long. New style?

Immerse yourself in the lavish profile of the Castagnier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2016. This exquisite red wine is meticulously nurtured within the esteemed Castagnier vineyards, nestled in the heart of French Burgundy region, Chambolle-Musigny. Renowned winegrower, Jerome Castagnier, applies precise, traditional techniques to extract the rich flavours synonymous with the area's limestone and chalk-rich soil.

The 2016 vintage presents an opulent blend of Pinot Noir, emanating complex aromas of ripe cherry, rose petals, and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, the Castagnier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2016 is silky smooth with a quenching acidity and long-lasting finish, reflecting a splendid ripeness derived from the exceptional 2016 conditions.

Famed for its superior quality and age-worthiness, this wine makes a captivating addition to a discerning collector's cellar. Savour the Castagnier Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses 2016 for an unforgettable journey to the celebrated terroir of Burgundy.

The Cecile Tremblay Chambolle-Musigny Les Cabottes 2016 is an exemplary model of fine Burgundy. Crafted in France’s prestigious Chambolle-Musigny region, this wine reflects the prowess of master vintner Cecile Tremblay – a descendent of the renowned Burgundy producer, Henri Jayer. Harvested meticulously by hand and aged in French oak barrels for 15 months, the wine boasts an elegant finish and layered complexities.

This exquisite Pinot Noir offers a vibrant palate with nuances of ripe fruit, intricate floral notes, and deftly integrated tannins. 2016’s favourable climatic condition has resulted in a wine of profound depth and balance, making the Cecile Tremblay Chambolle-Musigny Les Cabottes 2016 a prized addition for any discerning wine collector. Its expressive character continues to evolve, promising to peak to perfection in the years to come. Welcomingly, its enjoyment is not confined to its maturation, as even in its youth, the wine never fails to captivate with its sturdy structure and delicate elegance.

Vinous (92-95)

(30% vendange entier; just half of a normal crop due to frost losses through the combe): Bright, dark red-ruby. Rather brooding aromas of blackcurrant, dark raspberry, licorice, violet, crushed rock and spices. Then surprisingly dense and sweet in the mouth, more generous and creamy than the Vosne-Romanée Les Rouges du Dessus, showing a hint of chocolate. This wine is always the highest in pH in the cellar, noted Tremblay. Finishes with suave, fine-grained tannins, a suggestion of marzipan sweetness and building length. Tremblay noted that owing to the cordon de royat pruning used here, the buds are a bit higher off the ground, and that made a difference during the frost as the temperature at this level may have been as much as a full degree Centigrade higher.

Vinous (89-91)

Good dark red. Reticent aromas of black cherry, violet and minerals, complicated by a hint of bitter chocolate. Juicy and tightly wound; not a sweet or generous style but reveals lovely salinity and subtle dark fruit intensity with aeration. This youthfully reserved village wine is solidly structured but not hard, finishing with firm but even tannins. Ultimately a bit more generous than the Morey-Saint-Denis Très Girard, with the tannins more enrobed by fruit and mineral extract. Tremblay won't do her first racking until she assembles the wines next April in preparation for bottling in July. I take my time, she told me.

Vinous (93)

The 2016 Vosne-Romanée Les Rouges du Dessus 1er Cru has a clean and fresh bouquet with perfumed Morello and strawberry shortcake aromas, all well defined. Exuberant is the word that comes to mind. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that frame a sweet, confit-like core of red fruit with hints of marmalade and blood orange towards the seductive finish. Very fine, but a Vosne-Romanée I might broach in the more immediate term. Tasted blind at the 2016 Burgfest tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2016 Certan de May is a powerful, dense wine, just as it was en primeur. A blast of grilled herbs, leather, smoke, tobacco, licorice and dark-fleshed fruits makes a strong opening statement. Potent and strap in feel, Certan de May shows the more virile side of Pomerol. The profile is decidedly sepia-toned. Readers should plan on being patient with the 2016. It is a jewel of a wine that just needs bottle age to be at its best.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95)

The 2016 Certan de May is a powerful, dense wine, just as it was en primeur. A blast of grilled herbs, leather, smoke, tobacco, licorice and dark-fleshed fruits makes a strong opening statement. Potent and strap in feel, Certan de May shows the more virile side of Pomerol. The profile is decidedly sepia-toned. Readers should plan on being patient with the 2016. It is a jewel of a wine that just needs bottle age to be at its best.

Wine Advocate (94)

The 2016 Corton Bressandes Grand Cru is also showing extremely well, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, ripe plums, dark chocolate, dried flowers and spices. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and velvety, with a deep, layered core, succulent balancing acids and a long, intense and beautifully soil-driven finish. Cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare, this is an exceptional Bressandes that will be well worth seeking out.