Pedesclaux 2016 (750ML)

93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2016 Pedesclaux is composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It aged for 18 months in 60% new and 40% one-year-old French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed red and black currants and blackberries with cigar box, new leather, pencil lead and crushed rocks. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and lively with loads of mineral nuances and a lovely earthy finish." 1/19

94 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2016 Pédesclaux is the first vintage to include all four grape varieties planted in the vineyard, according to Emmanuel Cruse. It has a very focused, concentrated bouquet of blackberry, graphite, hints of tobacco and a slight granitic scent - très Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannin, impressive depth, gentle grip and a killer line of acidity. I adore the harmony and precision of this Pédesclaux, which is probably the best to date. Highly recommended. 13.3% alcohol." 1/19

93 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2016 Pédesclaux has turned out beautifully. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, leather, chocolate, rose petal and dried herbs are all generous in this plump, juicy Pauillac. Medium in body, expressive and racy, Pédesclaux is a super appealing, modern Pauillac with soft curves and tons of immediacy." 1/19

94 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: " The 2016 Pédesclaux is the first vintage to include all four grape varieties planted in the vineyard, according to Emmanuel Cruse. It has a very focused, concentrated bouquet of blackberry, graphite, hints of tobacco and a slight granitic scent - très Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannin, impressive depth, gentle grip and a killer line of acidity. I adore the harmony and precision of this Pédesclaux, which is probably the best to date. Highly recommended. 13.3% alcohol." 1/19

95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "So aromatic with crushed currants, raspberries and blackberries with hints of graphite and lead pencil. Full-bodied and very tight with beautiful tannins and a long, flavorful finish. The tannins really build at the end of the palate. Try from 2024. " 2/19

92 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "An extroverted style, with bold plum and blackberry compote aromas and flavors, infused with anise accents and backed by an alluring finish of toasted vanilla, violet and mocha. On the showy side, but has enough latent drive to keep it honest. Drink now through 2030." 3/19

94 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "A property that has been benefitting from new investment in the form of additional, better quality plots and a new cellar that allows far greater precision - I know everyone says this, but in this case they moved from large, old wooden vats to an array of shapes and sizes. Once again in this vintage you see the results of investment, and we have an utterly delicious Pédesclaux on our hands. Well structured, it has walls but the juice runs down them like in a perfectly filtered underground cavern. Once again it is the stunningly juicy fruit that impresses on the finish, giving a mouthwatering freshness. The blend is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc - the first vintage in the history of the estate to have all four varieties now that the new plantings have come through. Lots of small berries mean the yield is around 10% up on 2015, to 55hl/ha, without sacrificing concentration. In fact it has more race and concentration than last year, and with a tannin count of 82IPT and 12.5% press wine the apparent delicacy is impressive. 50% new oak, 3.61pH. Get on board with this wine. " 4/17

94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "An estate that's unquestionably on the upswing, the 2016 Château Pédesclaux is made from 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in 60% new oak. In the past, the wines from this estate have been slightly chunky, but that started to change around 2014, and I think this 2016 is the best yet. Beautiful blue fruits, violets, spicy oak, and a touch of minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied Pauillac, which has fine, polished tannins, a seamless texture, and a great finish. With purity and finesse as well as richness and depth, it's already reasonably approachable today, but it's going to evolve for three decades or more. " 2/19