2016

93 points Wine Enthusiast"Dark ruby to the eye, this wine has a nose of raspberry, clove and espresso bean. Rigid tannins coat the palate, backing flavors of blackberry, black cherry, anisette, menthol and violet. Notes of ripe cherry and white flowers...

97 points Wine Enthusiast"Exuding class and finesse, this lovely red opens with compelling aromas of ripe woodland berries, violet, wild herbs and underbrush. Delicious and elegantly structured, the palate shows youthful tension that offsets juicy...

97 points James Suckling"A neoclassical edition of Grand-Puy-Lacoste, this has cedar, graphite, deeply integrated cedar and spicy-oak influence and a very fresh array of ripe blackberries, dark cherries and cassis. The palate is so seamless. It builds...

97 points Jeb Dunnuck"This tiny estate located down on the lower plain continues to produce a powerful, opulent style of wine. Their 2016 La Fleur Morange is another beauty, boasting full-bodied richness and serious concentration go with a monster...

93 points Jeb Dunnuck"It offers terrific notes of black raspberries, damp earth, pepper and graphite. These give way to a medium to full -bodied, plush, ripe and sexy red that has sweet, present tannin, moderate acidity and a great finish." 91 points...

94 points James Suckling"Beautiful, sweet berry and cherry aromas with lavender and roses, following through to a medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Chewy and juicy. Give it a year or two to soften, but already excellent. Drink or hold...

Vinous Reverie NotesWinery: This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Santa Cruz Mountains’ highly regarded Bates Ranch Vineyard. The powerful bouquet will pull you in with baking spice aromas of cinnamon, clove, and baked apple, with hints...

94 points James Suckling"The blackcurrants and blueberries with violets on the nose are fascinating. Full-bodied and very tightly wound with gorgeous tannins and a linear and bright finish. Needs two to four years to come together. Try after 2023." 93...

94 points Wine Enthusiast"This Lurton family-owned property has upped its game in recent vintages and this wine shows the same progress. Rich tannins and dense black fruits deliver weight and concentration. The alcohol is balanced by the fresh...

96 points Wine Enthusiast"From the first vintage when this vineyard was fully certified biodynamic, this wine reveals an estate in its stride. It has richness and great depths along with a line of black fruits and acidity. Concentrated and tannic, the...

95 points James Suckling"A very serious St.-Estèphe with excellent concentration, firm tannins and a dark soul. I love the earth, walnut, bark and smoke aromas that pour out of this. Very long, dramatic, dry finish. Better from 2021." 94 points...

95 points Jeb Dunnuck"Coming all from sedimentary soils on the eastern side of the hill and brought up in 20% new barrels, the 2016 Ermitage Les Dionnières is a gem in the lineup. Blackberries, currants, roasted herbs, cured meats, and spice notes...