Château Le Boscq 2016

The 2016 Le Boscq, owned by Vignobles Dourthe, is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot and was picked 29 September until 20 October. This represents a move towards Cabernet Sauvignon and away from Merlot in the final blend. It has a very ripe, opulent bouquet that does not quite convey its terroir with the same aplomb as say, the Phelan-Ségur. It translates more of the winemaking than the terroir. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, crisp acidity and quite an elegant finish. It is in the second half of this wine that the quality of the vintage shows through. Hopefully the aromatics will gain more composure and it will live up to the finish it currently displays. One to watch. - Neal Martin.

This is very structured and powerful with an impressive depth of fruit and intense tannins. Medium to full body. Strong and muscular. This is rocking it.

This is a wine that, even with its firm tannins, brings out opulent blackberry fruits and great acidity. It is concentrated, relying on its great structure, and should be ready to enjoy from 2029.

The 2016 Château Le Boscq a rock star of a Saint-Estephe and offers a concentrated, textured, perfectly balanced profile that’s very much in the style of the vintage. Liquid violets, mint, spring flowers, and blue fruit characteristics all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort. It has present tannins, yet they’re integrated and polished, and it’s already accessible given its purity and, again, its balance. It should keep for 20 years or so.