2016 Reysson

87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. 27% new oak for 12–14 months. Notably lighter than most of the 2016s in this line-up. Fragrant and lightly leafy, showing the Cabernet Franc component in its fragrance. Well-judged balance between the scented black fruit and that leafy freshness. The tannins are very finely textured to a long fresh finish. (JH)

A beautiful sense of orange blossom and currants on the nose. Medium-bodied, tight and linear with a solid middle palate and a fresh finish. A little old fashioned, but shows typicity. A blend of 87 per cent merlot, ten per cent cabernet franc and three per cent petit verdot. Try after 2021.

The 2016 Reysson has a flatness on the nose that is difficult to ignore (a shortcoming I noted during en primeur). The palate is medium-bodied with chewy, slightly coarse tannin, and moderate depth. I find is a slight bitterness on the finish. Not terrible by a long way, but given the vintage I would have expected more breeding and class. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.