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Tasting notes
The 2016 Alcée appears to have hardly moved since I tasted it four or five years ago. Sprightly blackberry and raspberry fruit laced with subtle graphite notes appear on the polished nose. The palate is well-balanced and disarming in terms of purity. It's lost some of the rigidity it displayed in its youth. Although tempting as it is, I would prefer to revisit this in a couple of years. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's launch party for my The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide book.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Spectator
More reviews and scores
A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Alcée shows well and reveals an abundance of cassis, iris, violet and dark berry aromas overlaid by a nuance of smoke. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a fleshy texture and fine tannins, concentrated and supple; it’s a seamless wine that benefits from the experience of Nicolas Thienpoint and his team.
92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. Garnet hue, lighter at the rim. Dark and brambly on the nose, juicy but firm on the palate. Touch of stony complexity. Sound rather than exuberant. Dry finish. Drinking now. (JL)