2016 Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac

A competent, attractive yet relatively simple effort, the 2016 Château Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac has plenty of blackberry fruits, leafy herbs, and earth aromatics to go with a medium-bodied, charming style on the palate. The tannins have a savory edge and I suspect this is best enjoyed over the coming 7-8 years.

The 2016 Grand Barrail Lamarzelle Figeac has a simple bouquet of brambly black fruit and touches of peony and underbrush. It just feels a little herbal at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannin. A rather big-boned Saint-Émilion that, as I remarked from barrel, needs to muster more finesse and precision.

Beautiful aromas of violets and crushed berries follow through to a medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish. Very fine and well defined red. A blend of 71 per cent merlot and 29 per cent cabernet franc. Better after 2022, when the tannins will have melted more into the wine, but already so pretty.