Chateau Clos Saint Martin Saint Emilion 2016

Extremely perfumed and pretty with dark berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants with fresh flowers. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Fantastic structure and composure to this young and vibrant 2016. Try from 2023

This has a very full and inviting feel, with fleshy notes of acai berry, blueberry and fig fruit giving the core a dark profile, while anise and tobacco details hang in the background. The fruit is showy, but there's chalky minerality buried deep within, and this is likely to develop nicely. Should be a sleeper of the vintage. Best from 2022 through 2036. 400 cases made.

Deep ruby-colored, the 2016 Château Clos Saint-Martin is a pretty, glossy, polished beauty that has subtle toasty oak and brioche notes in its cassis and black raspberry fruits. Possessing medium to full body, a rounded, forward, sexy style, and sweet tannins, it has some irresistible charm already yet should cruise for 10-15 years.

The 2016 Clos Saint-Martin is extremely pure and intense on the nose, which features black cherries, wild strawberries and pressed violets, but comparing them side by side, I find more charm and cohesion in the 2015 Clos Saint-Martin. The palate is in fact more promising than the aromatics, framed by fine-boned tannins and very good acidity. There is superb precision on display, with that limestone terroir more expressive on the finish compared to the previous vintage. If the aromatics improve, this might surpass the 2016; we shall have to see. Tasted at a vertical of recent vintages at the château. -- Neal Martin

The 2016 Clos St. Martin is made up of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold blackberries, warm plums and red cherries notes plus hints of baking spices, cedar chest, chocolate mint, forest floor and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied and jam-packed with generous black and red fruits, it has a solid frame of grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and spicy.