2016 Bordeaux Horizontal

Every so often, Bordeaux produces a vintage that feels almost mythic. 2016 was one of those rare years. From the careful balance of spring rains to the summer’s warm, dry days, the conditions were ideal for crafting wines of remarkable concentration, structure, and elegance. Over half a decade later, the 2016s continue to impress collectors and connoisseurs, offering both immediate enjoyment and decades of potential in the cellar.

In celebration of this exceptional year, we assembled a horizontal collection of twelve iconic Bordeaux wines, showcasing the diversity and excellence across Bordeaux’s most prestigious appellations, from the structured Cabernets of the Left Bank to the plush Merlots of the Right Bank, and even the refined whites and Sauternes of Pessac-Léognan and Sauternes.

What Made 2016 So Special

2016 was a vintage defined by harmony. Unlike some modern vintages, these wines balance ripeness with restraint, producing fruit that is vibrant and nuanced rather than overly heavy. Silky tannins, precise acidity, and lower alcohol levels combine to give a sense of freshness that elevates each sip. The result is a rare union of power and finesse, wines that are both approachable with careful decanting today and capable of graceful evolution over the next several decades.

The 2016 Bordeaux vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest in recent history, surpassing even the legendary 1982 and 1990 vintage. Critics agree that the 2016 Bordeaux vintage strikes an exceptional balance between power and elegance: abundant spring moisture followed by a hot, dry summer concentrated the fruit and built firm, structured tannins. These wines are made to age gracefully for decades, yet many are surprisingly approachable in their youth with proper decanting, offering both immediate pleasure and long-term cellar potential.

• Characterized by elegant, ripe red fruit, silky tannins, and lower alcohol levels, these wines possess a remarkable freshness and vitality
• The vintage's unique climate conditions resulted in wines with exceptional balance, purity, and aging potential

Highlights from the Collection

Rather than focusing solely on ratings or technical notes, the magic of this horizontal lies in the stories and personalities of each château:

The Wines

AOCs represented

Left Bank: Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux, Saint-Estèphe

Right Bank: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol

Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac (100 pts)

Top-tier, biodynamically farmed Pauillac with Cabernet-led power but precision. The 2016 is widely described as vivid, mineral and wonderfully balanced — black-currant and cassis, violet florals, graphite/mineral lift and very fine-grained tannins; plenty of energy under the ripeness. It’s built for long ageing but is approachable after a long decant once it’s opened — drinking window commonly given from the mid-2020s into 2040+. Serve with roasted beef or lamb.

Château Léoville Poyferré, Saint-Julien (98 pts)

A classic St-Julien with Cabernet backbone and an extra layer of density in 2016. Notes: concentrated black fruits, graphite/cedar, firm ripe tannins and good acidity — shows both power and classic structure. Expect long cellaring.

Château L'Evangile, Pomerol (99 pts)

Right-bank Merlot dominance: plush, sensual Pomerol with dark plum, truffle and spice. 2016 L’Evangile is concentrated but finely textured — velvet tannins and saline minerality that give freshness to the ripe fruit. A wine that rewards patience (peak often 2028–2045+)

Château Troplong Mondot, Saint-Emilion (97 pts)

Powerful, opulent Saint-Émilion with dominant Merlot richness in 2016: black forest cake, espresso/graphite, violets and very plush texture. Tannins are big but polished; many tasters call this a “monster” with long ageing potential (drinking windows often from late 2020s into mid-21st century). Needs decanting if opened early; pairs beautifully with braised short ribs or game.

Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan (97 pts)

A benchmark Graves estate. The 2016 red is dense and refined: blackberries, cedar, tobacco and mineral/rocky notes with tight, fine tannins — a classic cellar candidate with significant structure. Many critics give it very high marks and suggest mid-2020s onward drinking and long-term cellaring. Pairs with roast lamb, beef and grilled aubergine.

Château Lascombes, Margaux (95 pts)

Margaux style in 2016, precision over opulence: focused dark berry fruit, floral lift (violet), cedar and finely textured tannins. It’s often described as more refined and classical than some recent vintages; good medium-to-long term potential (drink 2025–2040+).

Château Duhart-Milon, Pauillac (95 pts)

A Pauillac that in 2016 shows clarity and slightly more immediate charm than some of its neighbours: blackberry/cassis, crushed stone/sage and medium-to-full body with chewy but ripe tannins. Excellent value in the line-up; drink window often from mid-2020s for a long stretch. Matches well with grilled red meat and beef stews.

Château Malartic-Lagravière Rouge, Pessac-Léognan (96 pts)

Pessac-Léognan grand vin: 2016 red is composed and pure with cassis, tobacco, crushed stones and a menthol/peppery lift. Medium-full body, well integrated oak and saline/mineral thread keep the palate lively — will cellar well (many suggest drinking 2025–2040). Versatile with lamb, roast pork or mature cheeses.

Château Malartic-Lagravière Blanc, Pessac-Léognan (95 pts)

One of the stronger Pessac whites of 2016: orange blossom, quince, citrus zest and saline minerality with good oak integration and tension. Well balanced for both early drinking and short-to-mid term cellaring; excellent with shellfish, sushi or richer seafood preparations.

Château Meyney, Saint-Estèphe (96 pts)

Saint-Estèphe’s sturdier profile—2016 gives dense black fruit, graphite, violet florals and firm, supportive tannins. The vintage made Meyney more focused and energetic than some prior years; cellaring will reward you (peaks often cited from mid-2020s to 2035+). Pairs well with roasted beef, lamb and game.

Château Gloria, Saint-Julien (96 pts)

A standout Saint-Julien in 2016: rich, concentrated and surprisingly compelling for its price tier. Expect cassis and black cherry, pencil-shavings/graphite, mocha hints and fine tannins — reviewers flagged it as a star of St-Julien 2016.

Château Rieussec, Sauternes (97 pts)

2016 Rieussec is a high-quality Sauternes vintage: abundant botrytis character with orange blossom, candied citrus, pineapple/stone fruit, honey and spice — luscious but with good freshness and lift. This vintage can age for decades; try with foie gras, blue cheeses or fruit-based desserts.