Château Clarke Château Clarke Listrac-Médoc 2016 750ml

This property owned by the Edmond de Rothschild family, has long led the pack in Listrac. This vintage, still maturing, is an example of the elegance and great style to be expected from the estate, especially in a fine vintage. The wine’s black currant fruits, issuing from the 70% Merlot in the blend and the tannins both need time. Drink from 2025. (Roger Voss)

Currant and cherry aromas are underlined with iron and rust. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and chewy yet polished and poised. Tension and style at the end. A blend of 70 per cent merlot and 30 per cent cabernet sauvignon. Better in 2022. (James Suckling)

The 2016 Château Clarke has some obvious oak but makes up for it with ample fruit. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with loads of black cherry and cassis fruit intermixed with graphite and leather, it has solid purity, medium body, fine tannins, and impressive length on the finish. It’s a serious wine from Listrac to enjoy over the coming decade. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Pretty, featuring a pure beam of dark cherry and currant fruit that has melded nicely with the singed alder, tobacco and dark tea notes. Has a polished feel overall, with an echo of dark earth in the background. Drink now through 2022. 16,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported. (James Molesworth)

Mostly Merlot, the 2020 Château Clarke has attractive black cherry and currant fruits as well as leafy tobacco, chocolate, and scorched earth. Balanced and medium-bodied, it has good mid-palate depth and the purity and structure of the vintage. This is another impressive Listrac that will keep for a good decade.