2016 Lusseau

Personal vineyard of Monbousquet owned by Pavie's winemaker. Toasty and velvety. Rich and sweet but not too much – though there's a slightly porty note! Very voluptuous. (JR)

Laurent Lusseau, the vineyard manager for Gérard Perse's collection of estates, also makes this Saint Émilion under his own label. Ripe and juicy, the 2016 is an attractive, open-knit Saint Émilion to drink young, while the fruit retains its youthful exuberance. Plum, red cherry, spice and tobacco lead into the fleshy, succulent finish.

The 2016 Lusseau, which is the property of the technical director at Château Pavie, is a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a floral bouquet with pressed rose petal aromas littering the raspberry and cassis fruit. The oak here is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of freshness, a gentle grip in the mouth, some lovely blueberry jam notes surfacing towards the precise finish. This is a great Lusseau to follow-up the excellent 2015, and it comes recommended.