(91-94) An ultra-fresh, cool and pure combination consists of both red and dark raspberry, spiced plum, earth and a suggestion of the sauvage. There is excellent power and detail to the muscular, intense and quite sleek large-scaled flavors that deliver first-rate persistence on the backward and youthfully austere finish. This is textbook Rugiens that is also very clearly built-to-age so patience required.

92+ The 2016 Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens is also quite reserved, offering up aromas of sweet red berries, dark soil tones and spicy new oak. On the palate, the wine is quite medium to full-bodied, chalky and firm, with broad shoulders and good concentration at the core. It's a promising Rugiens in the making but it will demand some patience. - William Kelley