The 2016 Giscours comes off the back of the superlative 2015, not an easy wine to follow. It clearly boasts more horsepower on the nose compared the de Tertre, presenting layers of blackberry, cedar and crushed violet aromas that leap from the glass. The medium-bodied palate is crisp and focused, with grainy tannin and a pencil-box-infused finish. Winemaker Alexandre van Beek has retained the density this Margaux showed out of barrel, to offer a classy wine that will benefit from several years in bottle. 94 points

The 2016 Giscours is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, the highest percentage of Cabernet in recent years, picked between 26 September and 20 October. It was cropped at 45 hectoliters per hectare with 13.2% alcohol, which is a little less than in 2015. Naturally that dominant proportion of Cabernet drives the aromatics with blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas. The palate is very well structured, more masculine than the 2015 and maybe without quite the same berry and cassis fruits on the full, dark palate show that clearly the anthocyanin and IPT counts are right up there. This is complex, layered and well held together. 94 points

The 2016 Giscours is fabulous. In fact, the 2016 may be one of the best recent vintages of this wine I have tasted. Dense, powerful and voluptuous in the glass, the 2016 possesses superb depth and intensity in all of its dimensions. The fruit is creamy and textured, while the flavors are remarkably precise throughout. Hints of smoke, licorice, tobacco and incense lead into the potent but well-judged finish. 91-94 points