2016 Coutelin Merville
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Tasting notes
High alcohol overall for the vintage, it comes across in the rich texture and mouthfeel, with chocolate and powerful plum character. A little tightness on the finish, grilled oak, touch of wax and polished leather, but with real character. The estate has belonged to the Estager family for more than a century.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Coutelin-Merville gives pronounced cedar, crème de cassis, fruitcake and exotic spices plus chocolate box scents. Full and rich, with a good core of ripe, expressive fruit, the wood is just a little overpowering at this stage, and the finish is a tad chewy.
The 2016 Coutelin-Merville has a light red berry, cedar and peppermint scented bouquet. The palate is smooth on the entry, not the deepest or most structured of the Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois, and fairly approachable with a rounded, lightly spiced finish. Mid-term drinking – up to several years.
50% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc. Juicy bramble fruit, then sour acidity which leads to a finish that really puckers the palate. Needs time. (RH)