2016 Chateau Pey La Tour
Tasting notes
Very concentrated, almost black in appearance. The intense bouquet delivers an explosion of black berry aromas, of primarily cherries and blackberries, together with a touch of spice. Full and generous on the palate, structured by delicate, silky tannins, coated in fresh, juicy fruit. The delicately integrated oak accompanies the full-flavoured, lingering finish of this superb, concentrated, fleshy and delicious Pey La Tour Reserve.
The vintage
The first six months of the 2016 growing season turned out to be particularly rainy and warm, replenishing water reserves in the soils which would serve the vines well in forthcoming months. Which was just as well as sunshine set in for the long haul from mid-June, bringing very dry weather until the end of the harvest. The combined effect of available water supplies and favourable temperatures – not too excessive during the day and very cool at night – played an important role in developing the fruit and their aromas during ripening.
The Merlot harvest, the predominant varietal, extended at a leisurely pace until 16 October. The colours are intense and the tannins silky. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, harvested late 19 October, are concentrated and well-structured, having fully benefited from the lovely Indian summer.
Blend 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
James Suckling 91 Points
Tasting notes
Very concentrated, almost black in appearance. The intense bouquet delivers an explosion of black berry aromas, of primarily cherries and blackberries, together with a touch of spice. Full and generous on the palate, structured by delicate, silky tannins, coated in fresh, juicy fruit. The delicately integrated oak accompanies the full-flavoured, lingering finish of this superb, concentrated, fleshy and delicious Pey La Tour Reserve.
The vintage
The first six months of the 2016 growing season turned out to be particularly rainy and warm, replenishing water reserves in the soils which would serve the vines well in forthcoming months. Which was just as well as sunshine set in for the long haul from mid-June, bringing very dry weather until the end of the harvest. The combined effect of available water supplies and favourable temperatures – not too excessive during the day and very cool at night – played an important role in developing the fruit and their aromas during ripening.
The Merlot harvest, the predominant varietal, extended at a leisurely pace until 16 October. The colours are intense and the tannins silky. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, harvested late 19 October, are concentrated and well-structured, having fully benefited from the lovely Indian summer.
Blend 88% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
James Suckling 91 Points