2016 Rocheyron

This has lovely purity, with a cassis and raspberry core that stretches out while a long, refined, mouthwatering chalky spine races through. Has some well-buried grip too. Apr 2017, James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com

The 2016 Château Rocheyron was in fact the first sample that I tasted during my tastings. It is a blend of around 15% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Merlot, with a pH of 3.5 (a little higher than previous vintages) and 14% alcohol. My sample actually did not include one parcel that will be in the final blend, and Peter Sisseck told me that it will be matured in a tripartite proportion of new oak, used oak and in concrete tank, racking from one to the other throughout its élevage in order to retard the aging in barrel. He also informed that he did not de-leaf this year, which of course became crucial for protecting bunches in the latter half of the season. It has a gorgeous bouquet with extremely pure black cherries and boysenberry fruit, neatly assimilated with the new oak. The palate is extremely pure with intense black cherry and cassis fruit, pitch perfect acidity and superb precision on the satin-like finish. Unquestionably, this is the best Château Rocheyron made by Peter Sisseck thus far—and I write this having just tasted them all. Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2022-2040

One of the hidden treasures of St-Émilion, this Peter Sisseck and Silvio Denz estate is over on the limestone plateau of St Christophe de Bardes, and has delivered something pretty special in 2016. Closed at first, this is muscular and austere until it opens up to reveal stunning tension and complex, persistent layers of violet-scented raspberry and redcurrant fruits pulsing with minerality. Curls of woodsmoke whip things up to the next level and there is a finesse to the tannins that brings it all together. What a potential for this wine. Apr 2017, www.decanter.com, Drink: 2027-2045