2016 Fombrauge (St-Emilion)

The 2016 Fombrauge is a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc picked from 30 September to the 22 October, clearly more expressive on the nose compared to the 2016 Magrez-Fombrauge with attractive blackberry, raspberry coulis and cold stone aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, linear but fresh with a grippy, slightly tarry finish that lingers in the mouth. It needs to find a little more "lightness" in terms of personality rather than intensity, perhaps not take itself quite so seriously. But I still find much to enjoy here and I look forward to tasting it in bottle. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 91-93 points

Here we are with Bernard Magrez, and his are big, structured, powerful wines. Extremely clear coffee toast on the nose, with deep black fruits and cinnamon and clove spicing through the palate. There is no questioning the quality of the black cherry and cassis fruit, liquorice and slate, but it needs to breathe. Planted to 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. 89 points