Château Croizet-Bages 2016

Slightly reductive; compact, austere style, firm tannins with medium length.

The moderate red currant and pomegranate fruit lacks the intensity of most of its peers in this vintage, while light cedar, herb and juniper notes leave a slightly rustic, woodsy feel on the finish. Drink now through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 7,000 cases made.

A floral nose with ripe red fruits and vibrant, crisp freshness. Structured, a touch of tartness with moderate tannins. Cocoa, forest floor and game evolve, finishing with mineral notes and supple tannins.

The 2016 Croizet-Bages is a very pretty and expressive Pauillac to drink now and over the next handful of years. Sweet red cherry and plum fruit are nicely lifted by bright floral and citrus overtones. The 2016 is perhaps a touch straightforward, but it is delicious just the same.

With sharp tannins and a lean, cranberry-tinged profile, the wine is a solid example of old-school, classic Bordeaux.

An impressive, fruit-loaded, fleshy Pauillac, the 2016 Château Croizet-Bages offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as a complex bouquet of dark fruits, leafy herbs, and truffle. With good mid-palate depth, a chewy, medium to full-bodied texture, and outstanding length, it has plenty to love and should keep for 10-15 years.

Kunz barrel sample 17: broad bouquet, cassis, wood, coal. Medium-bodied, velvety palate with sweet fruit, sandy tannins, medium aromatics, sweet finish.

Broad bouquet, cassis, wood, charcoal. Medium-bodied, velvety palate with sweet fruit, sandy tannins, moderate aromatics, sweet finish. 16/20 2022 - 2034

With a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Croizet-Bages is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It charges out of the glass with notes of plum preserves, baked black cherries and crème de cassis, plus suggestions of menthol, unsmoked cigars, and cumin seed. Medium-bodied, the palate is jam packed with expressive black fruit layers, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy.

The bottle lacks intensity and energy, perhaps due to a faulty cork, and while the grapes seem perfectly ripe, it doesn’t have the accuracy or precision we appreciated in barrel. Needs revisiting.

The 2016 is a relatively gentle wine, with a pleasantly smooth palate. A Pauillac with an approachable profile and a fluid, effortless mouthfeel.

A touch of austerity on the finish.

Under the same ownership as Rauzan-Gassies in Margaux, this estate is slowly revealing the potential of its terroir. The wine shows more structure than in some vintages although it is still soft and therefore likely to develop quickly. Drink from 2024.