Marquis De Saint-Estéphe Cháteau Léo De Prades – 2016

Merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc
Gold and silver medal winner
Old vine
Saint-Estèphe (Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux)

This 2016 Château Léo de Prades, from vines over 70 years old, had to spend 24 months in oak just to tamp down the tannins before bottling. It is just now coming into its own with a character and depth that seem well beyond its mere 4 years in bottle. Let the bottle decant for a moment, then dive in for tobacco, clove, dark fruit, and toasted coffee beans. That we know of no one else has this wine State-side. Cellar up to 2026.