Château Carlmagnus 2016

Lively raspberry and blackberry fruit forms the core here, with juicy intensity running through the bramble-edged finish, revealing a light flash of tobacco. Not big, but fresh and engaging, with light-handed toast at the end. Drink now through 2028. 4,167 cases made.

Ruby red. Carlmagnus’s bouquet is still clearly marked by its barrel ageing. I detect spicy notes and red-berry aromas. On the palate, the wine is delicate, balanced, and slightly creamy. The ageing notes are present, along with freshness thanks to a lively structure. It seems to me the wine hasn’t reached its full potential yet! Drying on the finish.

Fruity wine with a slightly firm finish.

The 2016 Carlmagnus has come together well during its élevage. Super-ripe cherry, kirsch, vanillin and spice give the wine its racy, flamboyant personality. The oak, so overpowering when the wine was in barrel, has integrated somewhat, yet remains evident.