2016 Clos Lunelles 2016 1500ml

93 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

Deep purp-black in color, the 2016 Clos les Lunelles bursts from the glass with flamboyant black cherries preserves, black raspberries, kirsch and crème de cassis notes with touches of violets, licorice and Chinese five spice. Full, rich, concentrated and decadently fruited in the mouth, it fills the palate with exotic spice accents and a firm yet velvety frame, finishing very long and hedonic.

93 POINTS

James Suckling

The cherries and currants pop out of the glass. So aromatic. Full-bodied and dense with round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. So sexy and delicious. Hard not to drink now with such soft tannins. Drink after 2021.

92 POINTS

Jeb Dunnuck

Another gem from the Castillon region is the 2016 Clos Lunelles, made by the team at Pavie. Mostly Merlot, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a floral, fresh, classic feel as well as a mineral-laced bouquet of black raspberries and freshly cut flowers. Beautifully balanced, seamless, and lengthy, it’s another fabulous gem in the vintage that’s ideal for drinking over the coming decade (or longer).

92 POINTS

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator

Offers a polished, warm feel, with a layer of sweet toast notes draped gently over ripe cassis and plum reduction flavors. A swath of tobacco comes in on the finish, while the toasty element holds sway. For fans of the not-shy style. Best from 2021 through 2028. 1,667 cases made.  –JM

92 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2016 Clos Lunelles is, floral, lifted and super-polished in the glass. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, pomegranate are all lifted by a hint of blood orange and floral notes that add freshness. Medium in body and pliant, with terrific balance, the Clos Lunelles so much to offer. This is an especially refined vintage for the Clos Lunelles.

91 POINTS

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate

The 2016 Clos les Lunelles, the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux owned by Gérard Perse, is a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc picked at 41 hectoliters per hectare on 14 and 15 October, matured in 80% new oak and the remainder one year old. The alcohol is 14.75%. It has a rich and opulent but pure bouquet with creme de cassis and blueberries, seductive and plush. The palate is full-bodied with grippy tannin on the entry, although I would not describe them as "vice-like," rather they lacquer the mouth. There are layers of spicy black fruit here, bay leaf and white pepper; this is a wine of considerable substance even if it just misses a little finesse on the finish that is showing a lot of oak tannin at the moment.

91 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2016 Clos Lunelles has an inky black color. The rich, opulent bouquet features precocious black cherries, crème de cassis and veins of blueberry, turning more floral with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with thick tannin that lends real density and girth. This has fortunately softened since I tasted it en primeur, but it is certainly one for those who prefer more powerful, decadent Right Bank wines.

90 POINTS

Yves Beck - Yvesbeck.wine

Pourpre moyen. D'entrée, le bouquet signale ses origines, respectivement la nature de son terroir au travers de notes de craie. Viennent s'y ajouter de rafraîchissantes notes de framboises et une touche de réglisse. Au palais, le vin est élégant et quelque peu suave. La structure parvient à bien contenir le charme de Lunelles mais je pense que l’on est à la limite supérieure quant à la douceur. Néanmoins, il faut relever la vivacité de la structure qui grâce à sa tension, parvient à équilibrer le palais. Finale fruitée et persistante. 2022-2032 90/100