2016 Chateau La Violette, Pomerol 3×1.5L

Vinous 92-95

The 2016 La Violette is dense, powerful and authoritative in its expression of the vintage. Chocolate, black fruit, smoke, leather and grilled herbs, along with big tannins, give the wine its decidedly brooding, virile personality. Hints of tobacco, licorice and cedar add aromatic nuance. Tasted two times. [Antonio Galloni, 01/04/2017]

Robert Parker 92

The 2016 La Violette is pure Merlot picked from 4 to 7 October at just 29 hectoliters per hectare, de-stemmed by hand and matured in 100% new oak. It has a lower alcohol level than Le Gay at 13.5%, because the terroir is cooler. The bouquet is very opulent and showy, plush red cherries intermingling with creme de cassis and blueberry jam, missing the delineation of some of its peers. This is strange because with that lower alcohol level, I was expecting something more terroir-driven. The palate is full-bodied, although certainly not as glossy or as flamboyant as older vintages of La Violette. It is well balanced, overtly modern in style and very polished as always. However, it is missing that complexity and engaging personality that other Pomerols possess on the finish. I probably have a preference for the 2015 La Violette, even though this is a very attractive, if slightly predictable wine. [Neal Martin, 03/30/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2040

JancisRobinson.com 15.5

Tasted blind. Easy-peasy drinking but a little hollow. Dry finish. (JR) [02/12/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2032