The 2016 Berliquet has quite a high-toned bouquet that gradually gains more composure with aeration, the cedar- and mint-infused red fruit developing subtle tertiary aromas with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with firm but fine-boned tannins. This leans toward the drier and more classically styled Saint-Emilion, and it pulls it off well. Very promising.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Berliquet (blended of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc) is a little mute to begin, opening out to expressive kirsch, black plums and black cherry compote scents plus nuances of unsmoked cigars and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic intensity and energy, with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and a lively lift to the mineral-laced finish.

Packed with spice, blackberry and black plum, this is generous, yet balanced by refined acidity and dense tannins that will give it a chance to age over the medium term. It is an apt and attractive reflection of the vintage.