The 2016 Monbousquet is a Bordeaux Blend from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Monbousquet, this red wine boasts an alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a cork closure. This vintage has garnered significant attention from various professional reviewers, each praising its unique attributes and overall quality.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, awarded the wine a score of 93+. Describing it as "deep purple-black," Perrotti-Brown notes its "rambunctious plum preserves, Black Forest cake and mocha scents with hints of redcurrant jelly, hoisin, and cardamom." She highlights its "very compelling minerally restraint on the palate" and praises the wine's "great intensity of red and black fruits with plush tannins and a lively lift to the finish."
Wine Spectator's J.M. gave the 2016 Monbousquet a score of 94, describing it as "lush, warm and exotic," with prominent notes of "blackberry, fig and boysenberry reduction." The review also notes the presence of "graphite and tobacco threads" which add structure, and a "Lapsang souchong tea swirl through the finish." Wine Spectator suggests that the wine will be at its best from 2022 through 2035.
James Suckling was particularly impressed, awarding the wine a score of 96. He describes it as "soft and very silky" with a "wonderfully caressing texture." Suckling highlights the "full body" and "delicious crushed cherries and berries" and praises its "beautiful length," noting that it is "hard not to drink now" but will be even better after 2024.
Jeb Dunnuck also had high praise for the wine, giving it a score of 95. He describes the 2016 Monbousquet as "beautiful" with "blackcurrants, cassis, gravelly minerality, and chocolate." Dunnuck emphasizes its "full-bodied" nature and "another level of purity and elegance over every other vintage I've tasted." He asserts that it "delivers loads of pleasure today and will do the same in 15 years as well."
Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss gave the wine a score of 91, noting its "full, generous" character with "tannins that integrate well with the rich berry fruits." Voss also mentions "a touch of smokiness as well as spice, toast and a final velvet texture," recommending it be enjoyed from 2023.
Finally, Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also scored it 91, highlighting its "medium/full-bodied" nature with a "core of smoky, licorice coated plums" and "a blast of just brewed espresso." He praises its "round, lush and soft" palate.
Overall, the 2016 Monbousquet has been well-received, with high scores and positive reviews across the board, making it a noteworthy option for Bordeaux enthusiasts.
