Château Ripeau 2016 – Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

The nose is fruity, elegant and offers a small freshness / power. It reveals notes of blackberry, cassis and small notes of flowers (iris, violet) associated with touches of wild strawberry, red berries, crunchy blueberry as well as hints of liquorice, caramelization, gray pepper and a very discreet toasted hint, spices and racy minerality. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a small acidulous frame, minerality, suavity, a good “guideline” as well as generosity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of blackberry and ripe / fleshy raspberry associated with small touches of juicy wild black fruits, juicy redcurrants as well as slight/discreet hints of flowers, caramelization, almond, discreet toasted hints and tonka bean / sweet spices. Tannins are fine, firm and a bit grainy. Good length. Small chew on the finish. There are an imperceptible hint of iris and a discreet hint of tonka bean on the persistence. Good persistence. This wine needs to be put in carafe. (2020+)