Saint-Emilion 2016

There was a tasting event of Saint-Emilion 2016 (and some other) vintages in San Francisco.

Saint-Emilion is in the Right Bank of Bordeaux.
Soils in the Right Bank is more clay soil than in the Left Bank, and Merlot is the dominant grape, which is suited to the cool soil.

According to the Association de Grands Crus Classes de Saint-Emilion, 2016 had cool, wet spring and hot and dry summer.
Cool night-time temperatures around the harvest time helped grapes to retain freshness as they became fully ripe.

Here are some of the wines I liked.

Chateau Ripeau 2016
Chateau Ripeau is located near Chateau Cheval Blanc and close to the border with Pomerol.
Fruits are restrained but has beautiful expression.
Aromas of fruits, exotic incense and spices are supported by good amount of acid and tannin.
A wine with a sense of decency.

Chateau Jean Faure 2016
50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot.
Smooth texture with high, fine-grained tannin.
Aromas are complex: floral and meaty at the same time.
2014 vintage had clean perfume of flower and fruit.
I really liked both of them.

Chateau Grand Pontet 2009
Chateau Grand Pontet is located in the western plateau of St-Emilion.
Rich aromas of ripe fruits, sugar-coated flowers and coffee, which are supported by well-integrated firm but tender tannin

Chateau Grand Corbin 2012
Chateau Grand Corbin is located on the northwestern part of the St-Emilion plateau.
Beautiful combination of concentrated red and black fruits and spice.
Powdery tannin and acid are well balanced.
Finish is long and pleasant.

Chateau Chauvin 2016
Chateau Chauvin has a long history in St-Emilion and had undergone restructuring of the viticultural and winemaking techniques under the new ownership since 2014.
Beautiful wine. It is strong yet delicate.

Overall impression of 2016 vintage was the wine with vibrant and charming flower and fruits with smooth tannin.
It is approachable now but with firm structure, these wines would be long-lived.