Château Desmirail 2016

Attractive oak spice on the nose; supple, well-balanced and seductive in style, well-structured, refreshing, enjoyable in its youth yet capable of aging.

This shows steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors inlaid nicely with juniper and alder notes. There's a velvety edge to the finish, which flows nicely as it pulls the fruit and toast together before showing a flicker of warm earth at the very end. Best from 2021 through 2030. 6,667 cases made.

This is good but needs time in bottle — during en primeur I wrote that this is a dramatic take on the vintage, and blind tasting it here definitely confirms that impression. Here, the oak is a little more tarry, but still well handled, if a little dominant, and set against pure shots of cassis and bilberry purée. The tannins are pretty hefty and slightly overpower the frame at present.

This has a super spicy, modern and meaty nose with some dark plum, berry and chocolate, sitting fresh. The palate delivers a firm yet sweet impression with plenty of ripe summer berries, swathed in spicy oak to good effect. A blend of 55 per cent merlot, 40 per cent cabernet sauvignon and five per cent petit verdot. Try from 2023.

The 2016 Desmirail shows a dark, virile side of Margaux, yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. Sweet tobacco, torrefaction, earthiness and savory notes all add aromatic nuance. There is a bit of oak, but the wine carries it gracefully. This is very nicely done.

The wine is medium-bodied, with an herbal edge to the red fruits, in a forward style.

This estate turned out a fabulous 2016 Château Desmirail that shines for its purity, elegance, and finesse, very much in the style of the 2016 vintage. Spring flowers, tobacco, menthol, and beautiful blue fruits all emerge from this medium-bodied Margaux that has fine, silky tannins and a great finish. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s all about purity and finesse. Drink it over the coming 15 years or more.

Kunz barrel sample 17: Herbs, medium-intensity bouquet, red berries, wood, roasted notes. Firm, broad palate with sweet fruit, bony structure, sandy tannins, medium aromatics, herbal finish.

Herbs, medium-intensity bouquet, red berries, wood, roasted notes. A firm, broad palate with sweet fruit, a bony structure, sandy tannins, medium aromatics, and a bitter finish. 16/20 2024 - 2032

With a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Desmirail has a medium garnet color, with a touch of purple. It offers up profound scents of black cherries and plum preserves, followed by hints of cedar, Sichuan pepper, and fruitcake. Medium-bodied, the palate is drinking nicely now with a good amount of black fruits and a plush texture, finishing fruity and uncomplicated.

Precise, fine, very Margaux-like yet with substance; shorter than other Third Growths.

Quietly, the 2016, with its airy profile, delights with its superb elegance and the brilliance of its fruit. A very good deal.

Pleasant, fragrant, and light wine. Best enjoyed young.

Medium garnet red. The bouquet of Desmirail is very true to its terroir, showing refreshing, fruity notes. A hint of menthol. I also note the élevage, pleasantly expressed through roasted aromas. On the palate, the wine is enjoyable and balanced. Its structure brings freshness and supports a delicate aromatic expression. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth.

As always, this is a softer style of wine, dominated by Merlot. This vintage shows more tannins than usual and a sense of structure that should allow the wine to age. Drink from 2025.