2016 Bordeaux: favourites from Pomerol and Margaux

7 Jun 2017

2016 Feytit-Clinet, Brane, Issan, Durfort, Margaux, Leoville-Barton, Fonroque, Canon-la-Gaffeliere, Clos Fourtet

In a vintage like 2016, Pomerol isn't a natural hunting ground for bargains. But there are always exceptions. Fisherman, oenologist and son of the owner Jeremy Chasseuil has transformed Feytit-Clinet over the past dozen years, and the market has yet to catch up. Jeremy's father has one of the most interesting wine collections in all of France, and this is a family with wine coursing through its veins. Tastings are conducted in a rustic kitchen and long may it continue; Feytit-Clinet is the epitome of the anti-corporate culture of this appellation. The 2016 is a stunning wine, and will likely be the best buy in Pomerol, once again.

'The 2016 Feytit Clinet, a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc, has such purity on the nose that you would almost consider this to be a Grand Cru Burgundy! It unfolds in the glass, black cherries mixed with raspberry coulis, just a little new oak to be integrated as it will during its barrel maturation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe blackberry and bilberry notes, here certainly in Pomerol territory with sage and black truffle emerging towards the persistent finish. Jéremy Chasseuil has crafted a wonderful follow-up to the impressive 2015 Feytit-Clinet and I cannot wait to taste this from bottle. 93-95 points' - Neal Martin, robertparker.com

Over on the left bank, we have 2016's final releases in Margaux. Over the weekend we secured a little more Rauzan-Segla, available first come, first served. The very highly rated Brane-Cantenac is selling strongly but we still have a few cases up for grabs. That has rather overshadowed the outstanding d'Issan and Durfort-Vivens. The latter is now certified biodynamic, and the vintage really suits the high percentage of Cabernet in the wine:

'Now biodynamically certified by Demeter as of the 2016 vintage, this has a full 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. This was a great year for Cabernet, certainly as you move further up the Médoc, and it is flexing its muscles here. I just love this, it has a true sense of forward motion but it is also intense, complex and layered. Extremely clear liquorice and tight black spice, with waves of soft floral, almost violet, notes. Sometimes a forgotten estate in Margaux, as far as any 1855 property can be forgotten, but we are going to see the plaudits increase over the next few years, and this is sounding the starting gun. 94 points' - Janes Anson, decanter.com

We have an odd case or two of Margaux unsold, plus a few Leoville-Bartons. Back on the right bank, there are highly rated wines from (the inexpensive) Fonroque, Canon-la-Gaffeliere and Clos Fourtet. /AR

Offered subject to remaining unsold; available 2019

Vintage Description Cs Sz Bt Sz Cs Bts Cs ib Cs inc Bt inc
2016 young Brane-Cantenac (Margaux)
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6x 75cl 1 0 £270.00 - - Buy
2016 young Rauzan-Segla (Margaux)
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6x 75cl 1 0 £360.00 - - Buy