Château Marsau - Francs-Côtes de Bordeaux 2016 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/5/2019

Very solid, offering a core of steeped black currant and blackberry confiture notes liberally lined with anise edges and backed by a racy, chalky spine for balance. Approachable, but a few years of cellaring will work too. Best from 2021 through 2027. 5,833 cases made. –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/4/2019

There’s a very bright and ripe array of dark berries and plums with an earthy edge, as well as nuances of sweetly fragrant black truffle. The palate has a very supple and fluid core of ripe dark plums with a very sleek, polished and compressed bed of tannins. Great depth and drive here through the finish. Mouthwatering, pure merlot. Try from 2023.

La Revue du Vin de France

14-15 / 20

the6/6/2017

Petite rusticité de tanins en attaque, matière assez ferme et équilibre digeste. Plus en fruit et moins en bois.

Vinifera

92 / 100

byJacques Perrinthe5/22/2017

C’est une très belle réussite pour la propriété ! De la profondeur au nez, sur des notes de fruits mûrs avec une note épicée. Au palais, il affiche une belle présence et une forme précise, sphérique, structurée par un tanin fin et fruité. La finale, d’une belle persistance, n’est pas en reste et, à l’instar d’autres belles réussites dans la région, ce vin marque un tournant dans l’histoire de la propriété. Priorité d’achat pour les amateurs d’excellence, y compris en terme de rapport prix/plaisir !

Bettane & Desseauve

90 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Charnu, truffé et finement épicé, long et mûr, beau style profond.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 Marsau, which is pure Merlot picked 7-15 October, undergoes a soft extraction and now tends to be blended earlier during the élevage. It has a lovely nose of brambly black fruit, lively and well defined with a pastille-like purity, a second bottle showing a touch of camphor. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, tightly wound blackberry and raspberry fruit with a light, slightly linear finish. I probably like the 2015 better last year but it is still a well made Francs Côtes de Bordeaux that belongs to the Chadronnier family, owners of Bordeaux merchant CVBG.

Vinous

85-88 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

The 2016 Marsau packs a serious punch. Firm and muscular in its first impression, the 2016 offers notable intensity in its dark fruit. There is an element of austerity in the tannin that needs to soften. Otherwise, this is a solid showing.

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/20/2017

Chardonnier family with Mathieu's wife taking special responsibility. Michel Rolland consults. 100% Merlot. Very dark crimson. Very fresh and quite dry and austere on the end. Not luscious! A bit tough and hard work. For masochists?

Wine Enthusiast

88-90 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. This wine is richly spicy and refreshingly juicy. Fine tannins give the wine its structure while leaving the beautiful fruit right up front. This will be ready from 2025.

Wine Spectator

90-93 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

This sports a fleshy feel, with warm plum and cassis notes supported by a fresh chalky spine. Shows good energy through the finish. Sneakily long.—J.M.

GaultMillau

16-17 / 20

the4/10/2017

Fraicheur et gourmandise au nez. Bouche juteuse, un bel équilibre, du mouvement pour un vin fruité et une finale légèrement mentholé.Johan Castaing

Jamessuckling.com

93-94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2017

This is a rich and dense Marsau and probably the best ever. Full body and a wonderful depth of fruit and chocolate. Love the texture and intensity. Shows sophistication.