2016 Château La Marzelle

Wine Estate: Château La Marzelle

Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Region: Saint-Émilion, Libournais, Bordeaux, France

Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru (Grand Cru Classé)

Color: Red

Format: 0.75 L bottle

Rating: 93 by Jeff Leve (2015 Vintage)

Description

The 2016 Château La Marzelle is a prestigious wine from the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, classified as a Grand Cru Classé. This vintage is notable for its complexity, balance, and aging potential. Located in the renowned Saint-Émilion region, Château La Marzelle offers an elegant and sophisticated interpretation of its terroir, showcasing the quality of the grape varieties used.

Blend

The 2016 Château La Marzelle is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and depth, with notes of blackcurrant and green pepper. Cabernet Franc adds spicy, floral nuances and further aromatic complexity, while Merlot contributes roundness, softness, and ripe red fruit flavors.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The wine has a deep, intense red color with purple highlights, indicating high concentration and youthful promise.

Nose: The nose is complex and enticing, offering ripe dark fruit aromas such as blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, complemented by notes of violet, black pepper, cedar, and tobacco. Subtle hints of dark chocolate and vanilla from barrel aging add extra dimension.

Palate: On the palate, the wine is elegant and well-structured, with silky tannins and a velvety texture. Ripe dark fruit flavors meld with touches of licorice, chocolate, coffee, and sweet spices. The finish is long and persistent, balancing richness with refreshing acidity.

Aging Potential

The 2016 Château La Marzelle has impressive aging potential. While already enjoyable, it will continue to evolve and refine over the next 10 to 15 years. This wine will age gracefully, revealing additional layers of complexity and increased depth with time.

Food Pairings

This Saint-Émilion Grand Cru pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats, such as ribeye steak, beef fillet, or lamb rack. It also complements saucy dishes, game, and aged cheeses like Comté or Roquefort. Mushroom or truffle-based dishes, along with roasted vegetables, will particularly enhance this wine’s complexity and elegance.