2016 Saint Paul

Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Saint-Paul has a warm black cherries, cassis and black raspberry-scented nose with suggestions of lavender, rose hip tea and black soil. The medium to full-bodied palate has a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness framing the perfumed fruit, finishing with a red berry lift.

From deep clay and gravelly soils, the 2016 Château Saint-Paul is a relatively easygoing, charming wine that has medium-bodied notes of dark berry fruits, tobacco, damp earth, and violets. With good acidity and a forward, textured style, drink it over the coming 7-8 years or so.

This bold and substantial Haut-Médoc has plenty of plum and cassis. Fully ripe cabernet sauvignon character here. Some bitter chocolate, too. Maybe the full, soft tannins and moderate acidity make it a bit weighty, but this is easy to enjoy now. Drink or hold.