2016 Todeschini Asteria Vineyard

Made by Benoit Touquette and coming from the plateau of Saint Emilion, out near Péby Faugères and Valandraud, the 2016 Todeschini Asteria St Emilion Grand Cru checks in as an even split of Cabernet Franc and Merlot that spent 16 months in 65% new oak. It's an elegant, medium to full-bodied effort that has tons of cassis and black cherry fruits intermixed with notions of ground herbs, graphite, lead pencil, and chocolate. It's impeccably made, has ample concentration, and as with all of Benoit's wines, sensational purity of fruit. Drink it any time over the coming 15+ years.