Wine Advocate 88 pts. The 2016 Haut-Bages Monpelou is a blend of 27% Merlot, 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc cropped at 50 hectoliters per hectare. Matured in 50% new oak, it has quite a rich bouquet with saturated small black cherries and a touch of cassis infused with pencil shavings. The palate is classic is style with a firm backbone, masculine with good salinity and a welcome touch of black pepper and bay leaf towards the finish. This is a very competent Pauillac from the Castèja family this year. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2032
Decanter 89 pts. This property has been owned by the Casteja family on and off for over 300 years, with the vines located near Château Batailley. This is a deep, rich wine, showing very well in 2016 with lots of the mint/cassis/cedar signatures of Pauillac, and it is a good opportunity to buy some great, inexpensive Pauillac. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. [Jane Anson, 03/04/2017]
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2038