2016 Roc de Cambes

A wine of precision and understated intensity, the 2016 Roc des Cambes is nevertheless quite powerful and virile, both of which become increasingly evident as it sits in the glass. Ripe red cherry, smoke, tobacco, licorice and incense run through this deeply expressive, savory Merlot-based blend from vineyards in the Mitjaville family's Côtes de Bourg estate. I imagine the 2016 will drink well for a number of years, but it will also need some cellaring to be at its best. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com

The 2016 Roc de Cambes is a blend 20% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 65% Merlot picked on 11 and 12 October, except the Cabernet was picked on 19 October, and matured in 100% new oak. It has a rich and opulent bouquet with black cherries, kirsch, touches of fresh fig and desiccated orange peel. The palate is sweet on the entry with a lot of sucrose-like texture, almost sorbet-like with blood orange infusing the red berry fruit. There is good structure here, plenty of fruit, much more primal than many of its peers. This was a sample that was difficult to read, so I will reserve judgement until later. Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com