2016 Wine from France

Vinous, 99 points: The 2016 Pontet-Canet is absolutely breathtaking. Powerful, ample and racy in the glass, the 2016 is one of the most exquisitely well-balanced young Pontet-Canets I can remember tasting. Savory, high-toned aromatics and...

Wine Spectator, 94 points: A touch of gaminess in the aroma gives way to blackberry, black cherry, earth and iron flavors in this rich, solidly structured red. Vibrant and balanced, though this needs a little time to integrate. Terrific length...

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 points: 96+ Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Fonplegade opens with a very savory nose of smoked meats, tapenade, sautéed herbs and beef drippings over a core of plum preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and...

TheWineCellarInsider.com, 98 points: This just keeps getting better and better. Intensity, power, concentration, lush, soft, polished tannins and a finish that sticks with your for about 50 seconds, letting you delve into its dark, ripe, smoky fruits...

Vinous, 98 points: One of the unquestioned Sleeper jewels of the year, the 2016 Le Prieuré is off the charts beautiful. Silky and impossibly refined, the 2016 is a wine of pure and total precision. Today, the 2016 is a bit more restrained...

Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: (WE96-98 points) Mint aromas and flavors signal the new wood in which this wine is aging. It has impressive fruit, opulent and dense, balanced by fine acidity, crisp edges and solid tannins. A serious wine that will last...

jebdunnuck.com, 93 points: Moving to the reds and 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, the base 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty and boasts appealing notes of spiced red and black fruits, cedar, and garrigue. Full-bodied, ripe and...

jamessuckling.com, 98 points: There’s a beautiful purity of fresh, mixed berries, dark plums, deep spices, as well as a gentle, coal-smoke edge. The palate has an effortless, fleshy, fine-grained texture with long, majestic tannins and a long...

jebdunnuck.com, 96 points: The flagship 2016 Condrieu La Doriane also shows the freshness and more classical style of the vintage. Citrus blossom, crushed rocks, honeysuckle, and orange blossom give way to a medium to full-bodied, incredibly...

jamessuckling.com, 95 points: Decadent and attractive with blueberry and blackberry aromas that are abundant and clear. Full body, firm and chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Very structured and poised. Try from 2023.

TheWineCellarInsider.com, 96 points: Silky, sweet, fresh, soft, elegant, ripe, spicy red fruits with a depth of flavor kick things off. On the palate the wine shows plush, polished characteristics with an olive and peppery accent that rides on top of all...

Wine Enthusiast, 98 points: (WE96-98 points) This wine is massive, dense and solid. At the same time, it has style and elegance. The result is that it is ripe, yet perfumed, with ample black fruit and mouthwatering acidity. Cellar at least 12 years.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 points: The 2016 Fonroque has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and opens with black cherries, kirsch, warm blueberries and spice box scents plus hints of tobacco and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, it has a chewy line and plenty...

Wine Spectator, 97 points: Rose, cherry and spice aromas introduce this light-bodied, saturated version. The flavors add wild strawberry, incense and kirsch notes, while remaining persistent on the kaleidoscopic finish. Feels tense now, yet should...