Giscours Margaux 2016

96 points James Suckling: "This has attractive, glossy, ripe red-plum and licorice aromas with cedar, flowers and red berries, as well as a stony edge. A very fragrant, cabernet-driven nose. The palate has elegance and grace with sleek and charming, balanced style and a discreet tannin structure that holds the finish long and fresh. A blend of 81 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 19 per cent merlot. Try from 2023. (2/3/19)"

96 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This nearly 200-acre estate lies in the south of the Margaux appellation. The wine is another great success in a series of superb years. It is rich but the structure and finely textured fruit give it style and longevity. Drink the wine from 2026. Alcohol 14%. (May 2019)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "This wine presents a dark, smoky, brooding and somewhat roasted character to the fruit on the nose, with a little note of baked cherry fruit to it. The palate kicks off in the same vein, showing a rich and slightly smudged character right at the start, but it tightens up very nicely in the middle where it shows lovely definition and freshness of character, a welcoming presence framed by dark, tense and acid-fresh blackcurrant and berry fruits, swirled with toast and praline, while underneath it all there lurks a grip of smoky tannins. A very impressive wine, showing a fine composition and harmony, and a convincing length. (Dec 2018)"

94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Giscours has a very pure, refined bouquet featuring lifted blackberry, cassis and light violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, well-judged acidity and finely integrated oak toward the precise finish. This is what a finely crafted Margaux looks like, and I suspect it will get even better with bottle age. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drink: 2023-2050. (Aug 2020)"

94 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Concentrated autumnal fruit offers a hawthorny bramble of blackberry and bilberry. Big-framed, muscular tannins are joined by plenty of acidity - it's very clearly built to last and confident in its ability to reward those with patience. Matured in 50% new oak. Axel Marchal and Valerie Lavigne consult. Drinking Window: 2026-2045. (Oct 2018)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Giscours is complex, aromatically intense and beguiling, with myriad layers of flavors that unfold with time in the glass. Black cherry, sage, leather, smoke and menthol add plenty of intrigue, but above all else, it is the wine's balance and sense of harmony that make the deepest impression. Under the leadership of Alexander Van Beek and his team, Giscours has been on a roll over the last few years. The 2016 is another fine vintage. Drink: 2022-2041. (Jan 2019)"

94 points Falstaff (5/24/17).