2016 Château Yon-Figeac

Deep crimson. Very withheld on the nose, seems quite closed. Again, that attractive stony, almost chalky quality to the tannins that I found on the 2018 barrel sample tasted today. Becomes more scented with air. The fruit seems bound up in the tannins still but that dry character is in balance with the fruit – just needs a lot more time. (JH)

Not yet bottled, the 2016 Château Yon-Figeac checks in as a mix of 82% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot. Sporting a ruby/plum color, it gives up a meaty, earthy bouquet of crème de cassis, tobacco, dried soil, and forest floor. With a rich, mouthfilling style on the palate, it has rock solid tannins, plenty of density and heft, and a big finish. Drink this complex, outstanding Saint Emilion any time over the coming 15 years or more.

The 2016 Yon Figeac has a slightly smudged dark berry and cold black tea bouquet that feels a little introverted. It just needs more joie-de-vivre . The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin and quite linear in style, with just some nagging bitterness toward the masculine finish, which shows too much wood tannin vis-à-vis the fruit.