Chateau Clos Marsalette 2016

The red wine is round, fruity, and distinguished.

Wine Spectator: 92
Cedar and tobacco aromas lead off, followed by gently steeped red currant and plum fruit flavors. An elegant mix of herb, sanguine and iron notes chimes on the very silky, restrained finish. A wine of subtle charm and sneaky length, with elegance the main feature. Drink now through 2030. 5,625 cases made.

Wine Advocate: 92
The 2016 Clos Marsalette, the Pessac-Léognan property of Comte Stephan von Neipperg, is a blend of 45% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 4-18 October and matured in 35% new oak. It has a clean and precise bouquet with blackberry and bilberry scents, a fine undercurrent of minerals. I like the elegance on display here. The palate is medium-bodied with mulberry and blackberry on the entry, a touch of black olive and quite a saline second half that is both fresh and detailed. This should drink well over the next decade. It's just a delicious wine--no more, no less.

Wine Advocate: 92

The 2016 Clos Marsalette, the Pessac-Léognan property of Comte Stephan von Neipperg, is a blend of 45% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 4-18 October and matured in 35% new oak. It has a clean and precise bouquet with blackberry and bilberry scents, a fine undercurrent of minerals. I like the elegance on display here. The palate is medium-bodied with mulberry and blackberry on the entry, a touch of black olive and quite a saline second half that is both fresh and detailed. This should drink well over the next decade. It's just a delicious wine--no more, no less.

Decanter: 91
As ever with Neippereg this is perfectly dressed, with great fruit selection and presentation, ready for a close up. Oak toast is evident but well balanced by some attractive black cherry, raspberry coulis and charcoal mid-palate. A very good wine.

Vinous: 91
The 2016 Clos Marsalette is super-expressive and delicious today. Savory herb, cedar, tobacco, menthol, licorice, rose petal and wild cherry all run through this nuanced, inviting wine. Aging has brought out an aromatic quality the wine did not show en primeur. Medium in body and gracious, the 2016 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Tasted two times.

James Suckling: 92
Beautiful sweet berries and strawberries. Hints of orange peel. Full to medium body, medium tannins and a savory and bright finish. Enjoy the toasted oak and chocolate undertone to this. Drink in 2021.

Jeb Dunnuck: 91
As to the red Graves from the Neipperg family, the 2016 Clos Marsalette is plush and charming, with a delicate style in its pretty cassis and currant fruits, notes of tobacco, medium body, and silky, fine tannins. All about balance and finesse, yet with good density, drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years. This is another brilliant sleeper in this vintage and should be snatched up by savvy readers.

Jeb Dunnuck: 91

As to the red Graves from the Neipperg family, the 2016 Clos Marsalette is plush and charming, with a delicate style in its pretty cassis and currant fruits, notes of tobacco, medium body, and silky, fine tannins. All about balance and finesse, yet with good density, drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years. This is another brilliant sleeper in this vintage and should be snatched up by savvy readers.