Château du Domaine de l'Eglise 2016

Interesting aromatics of herbs and berries; full-bodied attack, dense structure, class-act tannins, a finish that conveys both juiciness and freshness; outstanding, with character.

This has range, with toasted cedar, cinnamon, black tea and anise aromatics leading the way for dark plum, boysenberry and açaí berry pâte de fruit flavors. Shows oaky notes on the slightly grainy finish, but the fruit just about keeps pace. Best from 2022 through 2032. 2,000 cases made.

The blueberry aromas are very enticing and show subtle undertones of flowers, such as violets. Full-bodied with round, polished tannins that are composed and compressed. Shows tension and focus. Better after 2022.

With a hint of truffle poking through the fruit, the wine is starting to tighten up. Still, with a bit of effort, you can find the sweetness of the fruit, made even better by the silkiness of the tannins. But you need to wait at least 3–4 years before this starts to reopen. The wine was made from a blend of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

Nose of red fruits, crushed strawberry, floral. Fresh, vibrant juice, tannins still a little tight, long finish.

Garnet red with violet highlights. The bouquet is of good intensity, fresh and marked by some greenness, with a hint of eucalyptus, yet it’s rather inviting. On the palate, the freshness is also present. It is supported by a structure that brings vigor and aligns well with the tannins. The latter are powerful and fulfill their role perfectly. A wine with character. Bravo.

Beautiful, intense, youthful color. Moderately intense nose, fruity and vanilla-scented. Soft on the attack and smooth mid-palate, particularly fruity; the wine caresses the palate—aromatic, dense, and long. It’s very good. Blend: 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc.