2016 Clos Puy Arnaud (Castillon)

The 2016 Clos Puy Arnaud, the Côtes de Castillon owned by Thierry Valette, has a very ripe and opulent bouquet with dark cherries, boysenberry jam and just a little more volatile acidity than I noticed compared to other 2016 samples. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin. This feels linear in style, perhaps just needing to show a little more depth and grip on the finish. Hopefully it will gain weight during its élevage. 87-89 points

The 2016 Clos Puy Arnaud is a tremendous wine and a serious overachiever. Bright, perfumed and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2016 is exceptionally nuanced. The red and purplish-hued fruit and floral notes are delineated and precise. Above all else, the 2016 is a wine of distinction. This is a terrific showing from proprietor Thierry Valette. 89-92 points

This is rich in anthocyanins, beautifully vibrant, showing the full violet reflections of a wine with a healthy pH. A succulent style delivering perfectly poised, juicy ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit. It has a gorgeous sense of vitality and keeps on delivering, but delicately, tiptoeing along the palate. A wine that makes you smile and absolutely delivers. 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Biodynamic. 95 points