2016 Château Saint-Roch, Saint-Estèphe
This unclassified wine from the exceptional 2016 vintage is drinking perfectly now. I found it in the wine section of the hypermarket in Bordeaux city center; grape composition is not available, but likely contains roughly equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Color was clear medium ruby; nose was of medium+ intensity; flavors and aromas included red and black fruit (plums and strawberries) accompanied by tobacco, mushroom, thyme and forest floor; tannins and acidity both medium+; body and flavor intensity medium+; much longer finish than I deserved at this price, which I would say was of medium+ length. It’s excellent value locally in France at its typical €20-€25 price. I score this wine 90 points.
2016 Château Gloria, St-Julien
This property is unclassified, but only because of the late date at which its first vineyards were acquired (1942), obviously much more recent than the establishment of the Grands Crus Classés of the Médoc in 1855. But the quality is regarded by many, or even most, critics as being at a Cru Classé level. The 2016 millesime is a very complex wine that shows a clear deep garnet in the glass; the nose is clean with pronounced intensity; dry with high acidity and medium+ tannin; alcohol is medium at 13.5 but feels a little “hot;” full body and pronounced intensity; finish medium+ in length. Aromas and flavors include cassis, vanilla, freshly cut wood, cedar, cola, tart and bing cherry. Initially I ranked this at 94 points because of its great complexity, but because the wine presented as a bit harsh and unbalanced on the palate I think 91-92 is a more appropriate score. Nonetheless a very enjoyable and beguiling wine.
2016 Château Beychevelle, St-Julien, 4ème Grand Cru Classé
Although only a fourth-growth Grand Cru, Beychevelle lately punches well above that level, and this wine exemplified why. In the glass this displayed clear deep ruby; the nose was clean with pronounced intensity; dry, with high acidity and tannin; alcohol medium; full body; pronounced intensity on the nose and palate. Aromas and flavors included cassis, blackberry, licorice, black pepper, vanilla, baking spices and just a touch of green pepper. Very long finish. I scored this wine 98 points initially; this is a sexy beast indeed that looks to spend more time in the cellar. After reflection I would moderate the score to 96 points, which still makes this wine an exceptional value at internet pricing that can be found below $100 per bottle. Highly recommended.