Balestard La Tonnelle 2016

The 2016 Balestard de Tonnelle was difficult to assess out of barrel due to the reduction, but has turned out to be an attractive Saint-Émilion. It offers pure black cherries and blueberry fruit on the nose, which is quite sumptuous in style but nicely focused. The fleshy palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a silky texture, offering black cherries, soy and cedar. Slightly Graves-like on the finish. In fact, this is one of the best wines I’ve tasted from the estate in recent years. Dirnk 2021-2045

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Balestard la Tonnelle opens with cedar, menthol, black cherries and black raspberries aromas with herbs and Indian spices. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and chewy with a spicy finish. 2019 - 2030

The medium-bodied 2016 Château Balestard La Tonnelle offers some earthy dark fruits and leafy herb notes in is firm, focused, enjoyable style. It has plenty of charm and will benefit from a year or two of bottle age, but I suspect it’s best enjoyed in its first decade or life. 2019 - 2027.