2016 Chateau Le Boscq, Saint-Estephe 1x75cl

Antonio Galloni 90

The 2016 Le Boscq is powerful, deep and full of character. Smoke, leather, tobacco and earthy notes add shades of nuance to this super expressive Saint-Estephe Cru Bourgeois. Once again, Le Boscq delivers terrific quality and value. [Antonio Galloni, 18/01/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2031

Neal Martin 91

The 2016 Le Boscq has a tightly wound bouquet that gradually opens in the glass to reveal black cherries, a hint of sloe jam and crushed violets, all quite pure and attractive. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, a velvety-smooth texture and just a touch of vanilla coming through on the finish. This shows better than it did at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in September 2018. [Neal Martin, 24/01/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2035

Wine Advocate 91

The 2016 Le Boscq, owned by Vignobles Dourthe, is a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot and was picked 29 September until 20 October. This represents a move towards Cabernet Sauvignon and away from Merlot in the final blend. It has a very ripe, opulent bouquet that does not quite convey its terroir with the same aplomb as say, the Phelan-Segur. It translates more of the winemaking than the terroir. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, crisp acidity and quite an elegant finish. It is in the second half of this wine that the quality of the vintage shows through. Hopefully the aromatics will gain more composure and it will live up to the finish it currently displays. One to watch. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2045

JancisRobinson.com 16

Tasted blind. First bottle TCA. Second bottle: Clean and lively on the nose. Very brisk and neat even if not concentrated. Minerally. [23/01/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2035