Description

93 points James Suckling

 Currant, lead pencil and fresh rose-petal aromas follow through to a full body, round and nicely chewy tannins and a long finish. Balanced and polished. Drink in 2022.  (2/2019)

91 points Decanter

 This is an ambitious take on 2016, pushing the vintage but successfully so, going for a cerebral 2010 feel rather than the generosity of 2009. Classic liquorice and slate, tight cassis fruits and an extremely well paced delivery of fresh tight tannins lead into a gorgeous, lifted juicy fruit finish. From a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. I like this a lot. (JA)  (4/2017)

90 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Lanessan offers cassis and plums on the nose with a core of cedar, earth and herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate is firm, grainy and lively with good expression. (LPB)  (11/2018)

Jancis Robinson

 Lifted aromatic nose. Polished tannins with some inner glow. Dry end. Very solid performance. *Good Value* 16+/20 points. (JR)  (4/2017)

Vinous

 The 2016 Lanessan has come together nicely during aging. Tobacco, menthol, dried cherry, licorice and subtle earthy notes flesh out in this supple, expressive Haut-Médoc. The tannins could use a bit of time to soften, but the 2016 has a lot to offer. I won't be at all surprised if the 2016 blossoms into an even more complete wine. (AG)  (1/2019)

K&L Notes

90-92 points Neal Martin: "The 2016 Lanessan has a perfumed, quite floral bouquet with graphite tinged black fruit—fine delineation with impressive focus, even if it is not the most complex Haut-Medoc that I encountered in this vintage out of barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannin, well-judged acidity, plenty of black fruit with a harmonous, engaging and slightly tarry finish. This is a great Lanessan that should give 20 years of pleasure. This comes highly recommended and I expect it will land at the top of my banded score once in bottle." (Wine Advocate, 4/2017)