La Raison D'Hetre, Cotes de Castillon 2016

92 points Decanter
"The second wine of L’Hêtre, a new wine in the distinctly up-and-coming AP of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Owned by the Thienpont family, organically farmed and situated high on the limestone plateau to the east of St-Emilion, this is great value considering its pedigree. 95% Merlot with a dash of Cabernet Franc, there is dark blackcurrant fruit and a whiff of smoke, allied to ripe tannins and potential to age. Drinking Window 2020 - 2026."

Jancis Robinson
"The first release of the second wine of the Thienpont's (Le Pin, L'If) new estate, bought in 2016. 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Certified organic wine. This second wine is made from fruit from the younger vines and the lower slopes. See L'Hêtre 2016 for more background on the estate.
Deep crimson, still with a touch of purple. A light and attractive dusty note overlaying restrained and pure black fruit. Blind I would have thought this had less Merlot and more of the either Cabernet. There's a hint of wood spice and cigar box but it is mostly the fine dark fruit that entices. Dry, finely chewy tannins, very direct in its dark fruit, with a hint of pencil and just a little bit of heat on the finish even though the body is moderate, not at all heavy. And manages to be fresh even with the slight heat of the alcohol. (JH)"

Vinous Reverie Notes
Raison d’Hêtre, the second wine, is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc as well but from the young vines and from the parcels of clay-limestone on the lower slopes.  It has a pretty dark violet color, is round and fresh with red fruit aromas.  Its taste is lively and spicy with attractive fruit/tannin balance.