2016 Château Le Pape, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

The 2016 Le Pape is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon picked from 3-4 September and on 14 October respectively. It is matured in 30% new oak, although my sample contained 50% which was accounted for in my assessment). It offers plenty of raspberry coulis and crushed strawberry aromas on the nose, the new oak nicely integrated, quite generous and almost opulent in the context of the vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a splash of soy on the entry, a keen line of acidity. There is a touch of austerity towards the saline finish, but that will abate by the time it is bottled. This is a fine Château Le Pape from l'equipe Haut-Bailly.

Drink 2020 - 2032

The 2016 Le Pape is a gorgeous wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Ripe and luscious in the glass, with terrific depth and character, the 2016 offers tremendous near and medium-term appeal. Black cherry, plum, licorice, leather, spice and smoke add to an impression of darkness in this supple Pessac-Léognan.

Drink 2019 - 2028

So elegant, right from the first nose. The fourth vintage under Haut-Bailly ownership because they declassified the 2013), this has appealing rich caramel and coffee bean edges and is beautifully elegant. It has soft, elongated tannins, and concentrated violet and fern notes, that seem to float through the palate. This property is really starting to show exactly what it can achieve. 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Drink 2025 - 2040.