Petit-Gravet-Aine 2016 (750ML)

95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2016 Petit Gravet Aine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot aged for 14 months in 100% new Taransaud and Ana Sélection French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges forth with gregarious roses and violets scents with a core of kirsch, redcurrant jelly and wild blueberries plus tilled soil, pencil shavings and fallen leaves. Rich, opulent and perfumed in the mouth, it is full-bodied and very firm with wonderfully ripe tannins and a long spicy finish. About 916 cases produced." 11/18

"93-96 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: ""The 2016 Petit Gravet Ainé is a total turn-on. Deep, powerful and voluptuous, the 2016 brings together the aromatic expressiveness of Cabernet Franc with the plush fruit of Merlot. Espresso, raspberry jam, mint, rose petal and blood orange are some of the signatures. Exotic, alluring and stunningly beautiful, the 2016 simply has it all. What a gorgeous wine this is! At times, Petit Gravet Ainé can be dominated by the Cabernet Franc, but that is not the case with the 2016 (at least not today), as the sheer density of the fruit is incredibly prominent. Tasted three times."" 4/17"

"91-92 Points, James Suckling: ""This is linear and polished with refined tannins and pretty berry, chocolate and cedar character. Medium body. Precise and real. We will see."" 04/17"

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com: "From a site just across the road from Château Canon-La Gaffelière, the 2016 Château Petit Gravet Aîné is a Cabernet Franc-dominated blend that includes 20% Merlot, all aged 14 months in new French oak. Deeply colored, with a rocking bouquet of blackberries, plums, forest floor, and leafy herbs, this beauty packs a punch and is full-bodied, beautifully layered, has fine tannins, and a dense, backward, closed style just begging for bottle age. It's mostly potential at this point, but it's impressive. I'd give bottles 5-7 years if possible, and it will cruise over the following two decades or more." 2/19