64% Carmenère, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot. The 2016 season began with a dry winter (484 mm v 610 mm on average between May and September). The heaviest rainfall was in August, with 239 mm. Spring was cooler and had more rainfall than normal, in particular from mid-September to mid-November, resulting in coulure and millerandage (poor fruit set). After fruit set, the estate noted a fall in yields due to loose, light bunches. Summer was particularly hot and dry. February 2016 was one of the hottest in recent years, with diurnal temperature variations approaching 30 °C (37.5 °C in the day and 7.7 °C at night). Temperatures fell significantly in March with the autumnal equinox, and April brought unusually heavy rainfall (117 mm from 14 to 17 March). In short, budding was delayed due to a cold spring and the arrival of El Niño. With delays to flowering and fruit set, the 2016 season saw most phenological stages lagging behind, but a hot summer with excellent conditions helped to produce beautiful grapes. Harvest 18 March to 28 April. Deep purple. Very sweet and ripe on the nose – almost animal. Very sweet indeed with a little green streak. A more awkward, less-integrated wine than the Petit Clos. Rather heavy, hot finish and drying tannins on the end. Looks more youthful than the Petit Clos. (JR)