Le Prieure 2016 75cl

Attractive red plums and roasting herbs with a stony and quite grainy edge. The palate has a punchy and grainy core of rich, dense tannins. Assertive, clear-cut finish. A blend of 80 per cent merlot and 20 per cent cabernet franc. Try from 202

The 2016 Le Prieure has an attractive, quite floral bouquet with plenty of blackberry and blueberry fruit, the oak nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple ripe tannin, plenty of blackberry and bilberry fruit intermingling with tobacco and spice towards the finish. This is a fine Le Prieuré from Paul Goldschmidt (see also Le Siaurac and Vray Croix de Gay) but let's see if it surpasses the excellent 2015

Fresh and direct, with a beam of crushed plum and boysenberry preserve flavors. Polished toast guides the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2021. — JM