"I am placing 2016 as the best vintage since 2010, right up there with the best of the past 25 years." — Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
The 2016 Bordeaux vintage has been heralded as one of the greatest efforts of the 21st century. Ten years on, critics are returning to the vintage and finding that a significant number of these wines are performing better in bottle than expected, with more expressive aromatics, finer tannins, and a clearer sense of balance than they showed in their youth. These bottles are selectively approachable, yet still possess decades of aging potential, making now the perfect time to add to your cellar.
Bordeaux 2016 Vintage Review
The 2016 Bordeaux vintage saw an unusual growing season, with immense rainfall from January to late June. More than 700mm of rainfall was recorded throughout the year, nearly 62% higher than usual. This number was later offset by a dry period in the summer months, which saw gravel soils and younger vines struggle, and clay and limestone soils, and older vines flourish. As the vines were pushed into a stress state, smaller fruit was produced, which featured thick skins and naturally high tannins. Additionally, the intense rainfall allowed for perfumed fruit, leading to comparisons to the flamboyant character of the 2009 Bordeaux vintage.
The atypical growing season led to late harvests, with an overwhelming number of chateaux picking in October, and traditional late pickers like Pavie, Lassegue, and Guillemin-la-Gaffeliere waiting until late October.
2016 Bordeaux Winemaking
After experiencing years of advancements in technology and growing techniques, 2016 Bordeaux is largely marked as the boom of a "new Bordeaux." Precision viticulture became increasingly popular, smaller tanks came to trend, and increased soil mapping helped winemakers to understand the types, textures, and depths of soil variants. Vineyards now saw subdivided soil blocks and sections and were consequently managed and vinified separately.
2016 Left Bank Wine
After a decade of bottle age, 2016 Left Bank wines, particularly Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux, have benefited enormously. The long, dry summer and the perfectly timed September rains suited the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant region, which allowed for slow and complete ripening. Today, these wines show a rare combination of power without heaviness and structure without austerity.
The tannins, so astringent in their youth, have begun to soften and lengthen across the palate, revealing a level of polish that was only hinted at in earlier tastings.
2016 Bordeaux Right Bank Wine
On the Right Bank, particularly in Saint-Emilion and Pomerol, recent tastings are bringing sharper definition between sites and styles. Limestone and well-drained parcels are showing exceptional clarity, while wines with a meaningful Cabernet Franc component are standing out for their lift and precision. Rather than becoming richer with time, the strongest 2016 Right Bank wines are becoming more detailed and more expressive.
Floral notes, fresh red and black fruit, and mineral tones are now playing a greater role in the overall profile, offering a more complete view of the vintage than was possible in its youth.
"2016 is an ocean vintage, more classic Bordeaux, with lots of tannins and structure." — Dany Rolland, wife and business partner of Michel Rolland
Best 2016 Bordeaux Wines
For collectors and drinkers, 2016 now sits in a rare and attractive window. The wines are open enough to enjoy today with proper decanting, while their long-term aging potential is no longer theoretical but supported by a decade of age. Combined with still-restrained market pricing for many top estates, 2016 offers an unusually compelling opportunity to buy and drink one of Bordeaux’s most complete modern vintages right now.
Lafite 2016
The 2016 Lafite vintage was noted "as one of the greatest young Bordeaux" Jeb Dunnuck has ever tasted, gaining a coveted 100-point rating from the critic. Bottles are known for their elegance, highly perfumed aromatics, and full-bodied profile. Most agree that the wine can last up to 5 decades with proper cellar aging, an outstanding accomplishment for the First Growth giant.
Latour 2016
Best known as Le Grand Vin, the 2016 Latour was celebrated as a monumental vintage for the chateau, displaying the chateau's signature lightness and floral bouquet. The bottle has gained an incredible five 100-point scores, becoming one of the most sought-after wines from the vintage.
Mouton Rothschild 2016
The 2016 Mouton was regarded as one of the wines of the vintage by many critics. Its label features artwork by the South African painter, William Kentridge, who created "The Triumphs of Bacchus," illustrating the relation of great wine and cultural tradition.
Add 2016 Bordeaux To Your Cellar
Our selection of 2016 Bordeaux wines features an array of First Growths, Super Seconds, and approachably-priced Third and Fourth Growths that are worthy of any cellar. Browse through our current in-stock selection and secure bottles for your cellar.
