Château Bréhat Château Bréhat 2016 750ml

There’s a strong and assertive feel to this Castillon with abundant red plums and berries, delivering freshness and verve on the palate. Juicy, powdery tannins. A blend of 70 per cent merlot, 15 per cent cabernet franc and 15 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2020.

The Merlot-dominated 2016 Château Brehat comes from the limestone soils of the Côtes Castillon region of Bordeaux, located east of Saint Emilion. It has a pretty, perfumed style in its black raspberry and cassis fruits as well as some obvious minerality and floral notes, medium body, fine tannins, and beautiful purity of fruit. With notable balance, integrated structure, and a great finish, it’s another rocking 2016 to drink over the coming 10–12 years. (Jeb Dunnuck)

The rich black fruits in this wine from property in the Monteil family since the 15th century are full of promise. Dark tannins, spice and licorice balance the fruitiness, suggesting aging potential. Drink from 2021. (Roger Voss)