The 2016 Chateau Ripeau Bordeaux Blend is a standout red wine from the Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Ripeau and bottled with a cork closure, this wine boasts an alcohol content of 14.5%. It is composed predominantly of Merlot (90%) with a touch of Cabernet Franc (10%), harvested between October 12th and October 22nd, and aged for 18 months in new oak barrels.

The wine has garnered high praise from several professional reviewers. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a notable 94 points, describing it as "showing beautifully each of the three times I was able to taste it." He noted its "ruby/purple color" and "forward, fleshy style," highlighting aromas and flavors of black fruits, tobacco, earth, and underbrush. Dunnuck emphasized its "charming, satisfying profile" and recommended it for consumption over the next 15-20 years.

Decanter also rated the wine highly, giving it 92 points. They appreciated its "real personality," pointing out its "cassis fruits, liquorice root and sweet spices." The review mentioned that the wine is "tight with high acidity that reflects its youth" and is "definitely one to watch" under the ownership of the Gregoire family.

James Suckling, who also scored the wine 92 points, highlighted its "ripe dark-plum and raspberry coulis" aromas, and noted the "smoothly rendered tannins" and "sleekly arrayed finish." He recommended trying the wine from 2022 onward.

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com echoed similar sentiments, giving the wine 92 points and describing it as "medium-full bodied, ripe, soft, sweet, fresh and forward." He noted the presence of "flowers, black raspberries, licorice and cocoa scents" and praised the "juicy, cocoa tinged, fresh, dark red fruits" in the finish.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the wine at 91 points, with reviewer Lisa Perrotti-Brown noting its "deep garnet-purple color" and "nose of blackberry pie, dried herbs and earth." She mentioned its "medium to full-bodied" palate with a "solid core of muscular fruit and very good length."

Vinous, through Antonio Galloni, gave the wine 93 points, describing it as exuding "darkness, power and intensity." Galloni praised its "succulent black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, grilled herbs, licorice and cloves," calling it "racy and flamboyant to the core" and noting its "tremendous early appeal."

Overall, the 2016 Chateau Ripeau is a well-regarded Bordeaux Blend, praised for its rich flavors, smooth tannins, and excellent aging potential.