2016 Vieux Chateau Palon

Plenty of charred oak, but this muscular Montagne-St.-Emilion also has a ton of crushed berries that provide succulent balance. The long finish is harmonious enough to drink well already. 75 per cent merlot and 25 per cent cabernet franc. Drink or hold.

The 2016 Vieux Château Palon is a gorgeous wine that overachieves its humble appellation. Rich, creamy and super-expressive, the 2016 has so much to offer. Chocolate, leather, spice, menthol, French oak and licorice add nuance to a core of super ripe fruit. Palon is a flamboyant, modern wine, that is obvious, but all the elements are impeccably balanced.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Vieux Chateau Palon rolls out of the glass with gregarious black plums and black cherries notes plus touches of stewed tea, bay leaves and tar. Full-bodied and rich with a velvety frame, the generously fruited palate reveals a little oak on the long finish.