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Tasting notes
A great effort, the 2016 La Prade possesses aromas of black cherry, iris, violet, spring flowers and blueberry. It is medium to full-bodied, supple, juicy and fresh, while its velvety tannins lead the way to a long, ethereal finish. The force of the clay terroir is clearly expressed but with great balance
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
Deep ruby/purple-colored, the 2016 Château La Prade has terrific limestone character in its black raspberry, crushed flowers, and spice-driven notes, with a touch a white pepper thrown in for good measure. It's medium-bodied, elegant and lively, with beautiful purity and elegance.
The 2016 La Prade is tight on the nose of black rather than red fruit intermixed with crushed stone and cedar aromas. It is nicely focused, though it lacks the horsepower of some of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a grippy entry. This Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux is quite masculine in style, and a little spicier than its stablemate Puygueraud. Repeating my assertion from my tasting from barrel, I feel that a better wine could have been made with more flesh and rondeur on the finish.
This is integrated and lightly chewy with dark berries and light chocolate and some hazelnuts. Medium body. Fresh finish. A blend of 88 per cent merlot and 12 per cent cabernet franc. Drink now.
About the producer
Nicolas Thienpont purchased this estate in the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux in 2000. The seven hectares of vines average 40 years in age, divided between 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, sitting partly on the limestone plateau in the village Saint-Cibard.