This is a really powerful red with fantastic density and richness. Silky and chewy tannins. Lots of chalky, crushed limestone character. Impressive. Let’s see what is better: the 2016 or 2015. Mar 2017, www.jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 95-96/100
Enticing, with plum cake and raspberry preserve flavors that sport a lush edge, while anise and melted licorice fill in. Almost too easy in feel, but there’s sneaky buried minerality and an echo of spice fueling the finish. Apr 2017, James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com
Wine SpectatorScore: 92-95/100
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Berliquet (blended of 75% Merlot 25% Cabernet Franc) is a little mute to begin, opening out to expressive kirsch, black plums and black cherry compote scents plus nuances of unsmoked cigars and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic intensity and energy, with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and a lively lift to the mineral-laced finish. Nov 2018, www.robertparker.com
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine AdvocateScore: 93/100
The 2016 Berliquet, 25% Cabernet Franc and 75% Merlot, is the third vintage that has seen more emphasis on Cabernet Franc. It has an attractive bouquet with black cherries, a touch of crème de cassis and incense aromas, quite generous and pretty. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannin that exert a gentle but insistent grip in the mouth. There is a lovely saline seam in the mouth with a little chalkiness coming through on the aftertaste. This is a strong follow-up to the 2015 Berliquet, and the substance suggests that it will age well in bottle. Apr 2017, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2022-2040
Neal MartinScore: 91-93/100Drink 2022-2040
A great wine this year, showing the real quality of the vintage. Juicy black fruits and a well controlled extraction combined with good acidity. Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt consult. Apr 2017, www.decanter.com, Drink: 2025-2040
DecanterScore: 91/100Drink 2025-2040
Made by Nicolas Thienpont. Sweet and fragrant. Then some savoury notes. Really quite interesting! Good combo of freshness and ripeness. Doesn’t stand out from the crowd but at least it's not distinctive for a bad reason… Apr 2017, www.jancisrobinson.com, Drink: 2023-2037
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 16.5/20Drink 2023-2037
The 2016 Berliquet is plump, juicy Saint-Émilion that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice and new leather are all pushed forward. The natural richness and concentration of the vintage comes through in the wine's intense ripeness and tannin profile. It will be interesting to see if the 2016 softens over time. Today, the tannins are a bit coarse and rough around the edges. The blend is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. The relatively high percentage of Franc might explain the wine's showing today. Tasted two times. Apr 2017, www.vinous.com
Antonio Galloni, VinousScore: 88-90/100
Bordeaux / France
2022-2040