2016 Chateau Durand-Laplagne Les Terres Rouges

The outstanding 2016 vintage in Bordeaux produced many exceptional wines with price tags to match, however, it also produced a bevy of terrific values from lesser know appellations that sell for a fraction of the price compared to Bordeaux’s most prized estates. One such example is the 2016 Chateau Durand-Laplagne Les Terres Rouges.

A blend 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon it was aged for 12 months, partly in concrete tanks and oak barrels before being carefully blended. A higher proportion spends time in concrete tanks which brings fruit and freshness to the wine, while the aging in barrels brings complexity and silkier tannins.

From the epic 2016 vintage this little Bordeaux gem delivers incredible value.

Impenetrable pitch black core with a very deep dark red black hue. The perfumed nose revealing scents of violets, red and black currants and mulberry over vanillin cedar, dried herbs, tobacco, subtle earth and spice. The elegant, medium bodied palate is beautifully detailed with rich red and black currant fruit that from start to finish is quite open and fleshy in its feel. Subtle notions of liquorice, mulberry, cedary tobacco characters, light earth and spice are also apparent. Good freshness with finely woven yet structural sound tannins providing ample opportunity for medium term cellaring, although it is already very approachable now. Finishes long and refined.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews....
The 2016 Durand Laplagne has a crisp bouquet with blackcurrant, mulberry and attractive floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, a little foursquare in style, but with plenty of fresh black fruit mixed with cedar towards the finish. Very fine potential here.
89-91 points
Neal Martin eRobertParker.com #230 (Apr 2017)

Silky and pretty with polished tannins, a medium body and a juicy finish. Better than the 2015.
89-90 points
James Suckling

Inky and powerful in the glass, the 2016 Les Terres Rouges exudes notable depth. Blue and purplish-hued stone fruits, lavender, spice, licorice and crème de cassis give the 2016 its voluptuous, racy personality.
86-88 points
Vinous