2016 Badette

A straight-up thrill ride of a Saint-Emilion, the 2016 Château Badette comes from a complex mix of clay and sandstone soils and checks in as a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in 85% new French oak. A big blast of crème de cassis, crushed flowers, white truffle, and spice flows to a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has beautiful ripeness and depth as well as balance. It has the purity and texture to shine today, yet I suspect it will have two decades of life. Bravo!

The 2016 Badette has a very well defined bouquet of blackberry, blueberry and just a touch of sloe jam, though it retains fine delineation and the oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, and citrus freshness toward the finish, which leaves behind residues of orange zest. A superb Saint-Émilion. Recommended.

This offers succulent and ripe dark plum and berry aromas with a wealth of assertive tannins that deliver in quite classic style. Good and powerful, assertive finish here. A blend of 85 per cent merlot, 15 per cent cabernet franc and five per cent petit verdot. Try from 2022.