The 2016 Roc de Cambes has turned out beautifully, unwinding in the glass with rich aromas of cassis and cherries mingled with a rich patina of dark chocolate, spices and cigar wrapper. Full-bodied, deep and muscular, its ample, concentrated core is framed by powdery tannins and impressively lively acids. While it's unavoidably marked by its time in 100% new wood, it's the best integrated "great" vintage of Roc de Cambes I can remember tasting at such an early stage. Include it in a blind tasting a decade from now and watch it slay plenty of heavyweight Right Bank names.

A wine of precision and understated intensity, the 2016 Roc des Cambes is nevertheless quite powerful and virile, both of which become increasingly evident as it sits in the glass. Ripe red cherry, smoke, tobacco, licorice and incense run through this deeply expressive, savory Merlot-based blend from vineyards in the Mitjaville family's Côtes de Bourg estate. I imagine the 2016 will drink well for a number of years, but it will also need some cellaring to be at its best. - vinous.com, April 2017