The 2016 Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse) Bordeaux Blend is a compelling wine hailing from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, sealed with a cork and boasting an alcohol content of 14.5%, has garnered significant acclaim from various critics for its remarkable balance, intensity, and aging potential.
James Suckling of jamessuckling.com awards it an impressive 98 points, noting its "aromas of mushrooms, tobacco, vine bark, stones and black fruit," along with its full-bodied, balanced nature. He suggests trying it after 2024 for the best experience.
Wine Enthusiast also praises the wine, giving it 96 points and highlighting its "superripe fruit" and "freshness that comes from the vintage." They emphasize its opulence and juiciness, recommending it be enjoyed from 2025 onwards.
Vinous reviewer Antonio Galloni is highly enthusiastic, scoring it 99 points. He describes the wine as "rich, unctuous and potent," with elements such as "graphite, smoke, cured meats, licorice and dark spices." Galloni is particularly impressed by the wine's balance and pedigree, noting that it has come together beautifully since his last tasting.
Wine Spectator’s JM scores the wine 95 points, describing it as "dark and winey" with flavors of "macerated dark currant, fig paste, and blackberry compote." They suggest cellaring it until at least 2023 to allow its "chalky persistence" to fully develop.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, through Lisa Perrotti-Brown, gives the wine 97 points. She praises its "deep garnet-purple color" and "perfumed scents of candied violets, chocolate-covered cherries, lavender and baked plums." The palate is described as having "grace and finesse" with a "mineral-tinged finish."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com is equally impressed, scoring it 99 points. He notes its "freshness" and "layers of unctuous, juicy, fresh, lively fruit," predicting it will continue to improve with age and could potentially reach a perfect score.
Jeb Dunnuck of jebdunnuck.com gives it a perfect 100 points, calling it "one of the magical wines in this great, great vintage." He highlights its "cassis, crushed rocks, graphite, and liquid violet notes" and describes it as an "iron fist in a velvet glove."
Decanter's reviewer awards it 97 points, appreciating its "compact, closed and tense" nature, while also being "aromatically rich, juicy and powerful." They foresee it rewarding patience as it matures.
The 2016 Beausejour (Duffau Lagarrosse) is a wine of remarkable complexity and balance, with reviewers consistently highlighting its aging potential and nuanced flavors. It's a standout example from the 2016 vintage in Saint Emilion.