2016 Vieux Chateau Palon
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tangy and energetic with a deep intensity of black fruit and salt. Full and chewy. Juicy finish. Same excellent quality as the 2015. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Vieux Château Palon is unapologetically rich and opulent in the glass. Super-ripe dark fruit, chocolate and sweet oak give the wine much of its racy, exotic personality. Readers who like bold reds will find much to admire. This delicious, flamboyant Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend from vineyards in Montagne Saint Émilion hits all the right notes. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com
The 2016 Vieux Chateau Palon was showing some warmth on the nose, a little smudged compared to other Right Bank 2016s. The palate is sweet and tarry on the entry and you think it might be overdone, but it pulls back during the second half to belatedly reveal quite a refined finish. It's a barrel sample of two halves at the moment, but I am cautiously optimistic for its showing when it is finally bottled. Apr 17, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2021-2033 Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2021-2033
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Vieux Chateau Palon rolls out of the glass with gregarious black plums and black cherries notes plus touches of stewed tea, bay leaves and tar. Full-bodied and rich with a velvety frame, the generously fruited palate reveals a little oak on the long finish. Nov 2018, www.robertparker.com