Grand Vin Graves 2016

“Owned by the Cazes family, this is a classic Graves that offers excellent value. The 2016 is a deep, rich ruby colour and attractively rustic in expression. It opens well in the glass, with a good balance of freshness and enticingly ripe plum fruits, kept in place by tannins that offer just the right amount of tension for a wine that is aimed at medium term drinking.” – Jane Anson for Decanter

Château Villa Bel-Air is owned by the Cazes family of Lynch Bages fame. With provenance like that, this Graves property is hot property. Especially in a year like 2016. Respected wine critic Antonio Galloni said of this vintage that, “The best 2016s are powerful, richly layered, vibrant and stunningly beautiful, not to mention incredibly delicious and alluring. For so many wines and estates, 2016 is an epic vintage.”

That certainly seems to be the case at Château Villa Bel-Air, where they’ve produced a red that positively crunches with fresh blackcurrants, brambles, black cherry and plums. Beneath the sapid fruit are tasty notes of toast, vanilla, cedar and violets. There’s big bang for the buck in this Bordeaux.