Deep purp-black in color, the 2016 Clos les Lunelles bursts from the glass with flamboyant black cherries preserves, black raspberries, kirsch and crème de cassis notes with touches of violets, licorice and Chinese five spice. Full, rich, concentrated and decadently fruited in the mouth, it fills the palate with exotic spice accents and a firm yet velvety frame, finishing very long and hedonic.
93 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Issue # Interim - Mar 2019)
The cherries and currants pop out of the glass. So aromatic. Full-bodied and dense with round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. So sexy and delicious. Hard not to drink now with such soft tannins. Drink after 2021.
93 points, James Suckling (Feb 2019)
Another gem from the Castillon region is the 2016 Clos Lunelles, made by the team at Pavie. Mostly Merlot, with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a floral, fresh, classic feel as well as a mineral-laced bouquet of black raspberries and freshly cut flowers. Beautifully balanced, seamless, and lengthy, it’s another fabulous gem in the vintage that’s ideal for drinking over the coming decade (or longer).
92 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2019)
The 2016 Clos Lunelles is, floral, lifted and super-polished in the glass. Sweet red cherry, raspberry, pomegranate are all lifted by a hint of blood orange and floral notes that add freshness. Medium in body and pliant, with terrific balance, the Clos Lunelles has so much to offer. This is an especially refined vintage for the Clos Lunelles.
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2019)
Offers a polished, warm feel, with a layer of sweet toast notes draped gently over ripe cassis and plum reduction flavors. A swath of tobacco comes in on the finish, while the toasty element holds sway. For fans of the not-shy style. Best from 2021 through 2028. 1,667 cases made.
92 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (2019)