2016 Lespault-Martillac Rouge (Pessac)

The 2016 Chateau Lespault-Martillac has quite a voluptuous bouquet with black cherries, blueberry and loganberry fruit, the oak nicely integrated, just a touch of warmth welcoming you in. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannin, quite a polished Pessac-Léognan from Olivier Bernard with a smooth baked cherry and melted tar finish. 89-91 points

This has been in the Domaine de Chevalier stable since 2009 (not as owners but as winemakers), making it a wine to watch. And this is exceptional for a good value Pessac; silky, dark, rich cherry fruits show finesse, with slight coffee overtones. There are some big tannins, but it holds off at exactly the right moment- proof that there`s so much to enjoy in this appellation in 2016. 89 points

An attractive wine, the 2016 Lespault-Martillac is deep, fleshy and quite expressive. Dried cherry, mint, licorice and sweet floral notes are nicely delineated. Ripe and racy, yet also wonderfully translucent, the 2016 offers lovely bal ance in an understated midweight style. 88-90 points