2016 Bonalgue
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Tasting notes
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Transparent, blackish garnet. Meaty evolution on the nose and some velvety richness on the palate, then a hint of iron filings on the end. Not great value. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Blackcurrants, tobacco leaf, and hints of graphite define the 2016 Château Bonalgue, a medium-bodied, focused, streamlined Pomerol. I suspect it will flesh out nicely with short-term cellaring and keep for a decade. Made from 100% Merlot, it doesn’t match the more seductive, sexy 2015 but it’s a beautiful wine nonetheless.
The 2016 Bonalgue has a pretty bouquet of perfumed scents of black cherries and cranberry mixed with light cedar and fig-like aromas. The medium-bodied palate is very pure and caressing, delivering supple tannin and finely judged acidity. This is one of the most sensual Bonalgue wines I have tasted, and it comes thoroughly recommended.
About the producer
Ch. Bonalgue is a Pomerol estate owned by the Bourotte family, which also owns Clos du Clocher.