2016 Lalande-Borie (St-Julien)

The 2016 Lalande-Borie is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering 13.66% alcohol and matured in 30% new oak and the remainder oneyear old. There is something almost clinical about the nose, very pure, no frills (at the moment), hints of crushed violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very harmonious and cohesive, citrus-like freshness from start to finish with a long and velvety blueberry and blackberry finish. This is very polished and it should give plenty of drinking pleasure for several years. 90-92 points

55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 33% new oak. 3.67pH. This wine is packed with generous fruits and some lovely, deep tannins that are both flexible and fresh. The vines for this wine are 13ha on the western side of the appellation near La Mouline river, made up of sandy soils with extremely fine gravels. Again, this shows that you can find quality and value at every level in St-Julien in 2016. 90 points

Sourced from the western part of the vineyard at Ducru-Beaucaillou, this is serious, concentrated stuff: “our most powerful yet”, says Bruno Borie. Plush, oaky and compact with lots of fine, but dense tannins and a refreshing finish that arrives late on the palate. Drink 2022-30. 92 points

The 2016 Lalande-Borie is plump, juicy and forward. Sweet tobacco, grilled herbs, menthol, black cherry and earthy notes give the 2016 its distinct savory profile. This midweight, attractive Saint-Julien will drink well with minimal cellaring. The significant presence of Merlot gives the wine its fleshy, seductive personality. Tasted two times. 90-92 points