Bright, dark red-ruby. Heady aromas of black fruits, tart cherry stomp, licorice and violet. Wonderfully plush and fine-grained but medicinal and backward, with its flavors of black fruits, flowers and spices accented by pungent minerality. Very densely packed but even more imploded than the Cros Parantoux and more difficult to taste today. A wine with outstanding intensity and focus, as well as the medicinal reserve for a long evolution in the cellar. Firm tannins are perfectly buffered by strong material.

For reports and full tasting notes, go toTim Atkin MW's website.

The 2016 Richebourg Grand Cru has a feisty, forward and intense bouquet that maybe does not quite deliver the panache of the Cros Parantoux. It almost feels as if it has to exert itself upon the senses in order to establish its credentials, whereas you would like more effortlessness. The palate is assuredly dense and structured. Certainly, it is one of the more opaque Richebourg wines that I tasted from barrel, though at present I would be seeking a touch more finesse and precision on the sinewy finish to this burly Richebourg. I still expect it to land toward the top of my banded score.