2016 Bordeaux En Primeur Continues

I think we were a bit skeptical of the vintage before we arrived in Bordeaux. Now, after tasting some of the top Right Bank wines, we can really say that 2016 is very special in all regions of Bordeaux—at least for the top properties.  We have an appointment at Joanne today, one of the region's largest negotiant houses, to see how some of the more general properties fared and to get get a more macroscopic take on the vintage. But what a day so far starting with a 9 AM Moueix tasting; the best tasting ever there from the Puy-Blanquet to the off-the-charts Trotanoy. There was so much fruit; the mouthfeels so silky, wine after wine. The Puy-Blanquet truly was amazing both on the nose and palate—a sure fire winner—and much better than their 2015.

Over on the Right Bank, Vieux Château Certan and Petrus both knocked it out of the park as well as La Conseillante. Over at Angelus, we were even more taken aback. This might be their best wine ever. Pure cashmere. In St. Emilion, Cheval Blanc and Canon were also knockouts. The Canon could be 99-100 points right out of the gate. We tasted with Hélène Garcin as well and both the d'Arce and Barde Haut wines were better than 2015. The nearby Tour St. Christophe was just as good as the 2015 and will probably be line priced. We might see an offer for that wine shortly.

-Clyde Beffa Jr.

Clyde Beffa Jr.