chateau Calon Segur - ©Sebastien Cottereau

Primeurs 2016: Top appellations from the Left Bank

Posted by: Millesima 6 July 2017

With irregular weather conditions and unexpected qualitative results, 2016 can only be described as a “miraculous” vintage. After an extremely hot summer, the refreshing downpour of September 13^th, 2016 transformed this average vintage into the vintage of the century! Surpassing 2015, 2016 produced sublime wines full of finesse and elegance. Unlock the secrets of this vintage on the Left Bank: Saint-Estephe, Saint–Julien and Pauillac.

2016: The Year of Cabernet Sauvignon

The elegant wines produced in the Medoc appellation surpass those of 2015 and present themselves as exceptional fine wines, from Saint-Julien, Pauillac and even Saint-Estephe. The wines produced in the Medoc are probably the highlight of this vintage, they are both pleasurable and seductive. Of course, we also have superbly racy wines distinguished by their rare finesse. Fruity and gourmet, these wines are proof of a very successful 2016 vintage!

Saint-Estephe Appellation

Located north of the Medoc, the Saint-Estephe appellation has five Classified Growths and two second Classified Growths (Chateau Montrose and Cos d’Estournel) and a large quantity of Crus Bourgeois. There are 53 properties that are included in the appellation. Its vineyards extend over 1,200 hectares of alluvium soil on beds of limestone or oyster marl. On average, the appellation allows the production of 59,000 hectoliters of red wine.

2016 in Saint-Estephe produced wines that are charming, fleshy and dense without excessive acidity. Much like two previous vintages, 2016 is a great vintage in Saint-Estephe. The 2016 Futures tasted are surprising because of their drinkability. Futures from this appellation are typically quite austere in their youth. The wines from Saint-Estephe 2016 display an excellent tannic structure. They are precise and extremely well-structured.

A few favorites from Saint-Estephe:

Chateau Les Ormes de Pez Futures 2016

Chateau Cos d’Estournel Futures 2016

Chateau Haut-Marbuzet Futures 2016

Browse our Saint-Estephe 2016 Futures

Saint-Julien appellation

The smallest AOC in the Medoc (just 6% of the Medoc, 910 hectares), Saint-Julien is located in between Pauillac and Margaux. Each year, the vineyard produces 41,000 hectoliters of red wine. This exceptional terroir is composed of gravel, marl and pebbles. This type of soil is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Despite the small area of production, Saint Julien’s 11 Classified Growths represent 80% of the AOC.

Saint Julien’s 2016 Futures are delicate, subtle and wonderfully homogeneous. This appellation has once again stunned the world with the quality of the wines produced.

A few favorites from Saint-Julien:

Chateau Gloria Futures 2016

Chateau Beychevelle Futures 2016

Chateau Leoville Poyferre Futures 2016

Browse our Saint-Julien 2016 Futures

Pauillac appellation

The Pauillac AOC is located in superb climatic and geological conditions that allow the production of great wines. The wine capital of the Medoc covers 1,200 hectares of vines and produces on average 54,000 hectoliters of red wine each year. There are 18 Classified Growths, which account for 85% of its production. Mostly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a few Petit Verdot and Malbec plants, the appellation is favored by the greatest wine experts for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2016 vintage allowed the development of exceptional Cabernet in Pauillac. Merlot are also rich and high in quality. Pauillac’s style in 2016 can be defined as a wine with strong fruit flavors, adorned with creamy tannins and a sublime aromatic persistence.

A few favorites from Pauillac:

Chateau Mouton Rothschild Futures 2016

Chateau Lynch-Bages Futures 2016

Chateau Pontet-Canet Futures 2016