2016 La Rousselle
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Tasting notes
Including 75% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Château La Rousselle offers a terrific bouquet of mulberries, cedary spice, and dried flowers, with just a hint of new saddle leather. This medium-bodied, silky, elegant red has fine tannins, no hard edges, and a clean finish, and while it's relatively mid-weight, it has loads of charm.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 La Rouselle, whose consultant is Stéphane Derenoncourt, has a ripe blackberry, briar and mint bouquet that gradually unfurls in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, slightly dry tannin and quite classic in style. A tobacco note emerges toward the finish. Enjoy this well-crafted Fronsac over the next eight or nine years.
Very attractive Fronsac with spicy oak, layered across ripe red and dark berries. The palate has a very plush, even feel and long, blue-fruit flavors. Drink or hold.
The 2016 La Rousselle stands out for its lifted, precise personality. Élevage has brought out superb finesse and textural elegance in the 2016. Bright, red-toned fruit, flowers, blood orange and spice notes add character throughout. The blend is 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, with the Franc especially notable in the wine's balance and overall feel.