Château Rauzan-Gassies Margaux 2016

“The effort that has gone into improving this estate is paying off. A wine like this allows the château to take its rightful classed growth place. Full of rich tannins, the wine also has the stylishness of a Margaux with a fine line of black-currant fruits and a ripe texture. Drink from 2026.”

“Great quality, in its drinking window unlike many 2016s, but full of character and depth, cassis, bilberry, loganberry, hedgerow, graphite, crayon, this is good quality, supple finish. 50% new oak for ageing, Eric Boissenot consultant, with 22% press wine.”

“The 2016 Château Rauzan-Gassies is another terrific Margaux that has the classic elegance and purity of the vintage front and center. Its medium ruby color is followed by complex spring flowers, bay leaf, mint, and black raspberries. It’s medium-bodied, has a silky, elegant texture, fine tannins, and is undeniably a beautiful wine. Drink it over the coming 15-20 years.”

“Very vibrant red and dark berries with briary complexity, leading to a palate that has a smooth array of bright, fleshy red cherries and raspberries, as well as a juicy and fresh, lively finish. Try from 2021.”

“This is less intense than some, but then one of the pleasures of Rauzan Gassies is that it takes a less obvious route. Sweet damson aromas are appealing and seductive. I like the lift on the palate, and the marked acidity has that feeling of almost redcurrant juiciness that translates to energy rather than tartness, helped by some clear floral aromatics and earthy undertones. Good quality. Matured in 50% new oak.”

“The 2016 Rauzan Gassies has a little more ripeness than the Dauzac, but clean fruit, blackberry mixed with dates and fig, though any exoticism is kept in check, thankfully. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine grip with touches of dark chocolate and black pepper. Just a touch of coconut is distracting towards the finish but that will be subsumed with time. Hooray-the best Gassies I've tasted in recent years. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.”