A straight-up thrill ride of a Saint-Emilion, the 2016 Château Badette comes from a complex mix of clay and sandstone soils and checks in as a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot that was raised in 85% new French oak. A big blast of crème de cassis, crushed flowers, white truffle, and spice all flows to a powerful, full-bodied Saint-Emilion that has beautiful ripeness and depth as well as balance. It has the purity and texture to shine today, yet I suspect itwill have two decades of life. Bravo!Jeb Dunnuck

This offers succulent and ripe dark plum and berry aromas with a wealth of assertive tannins that deliver in quite classic style. Good and powerful, assertive finish here. A blend of 85 per cent merlot, 15 per cent cabernet franc and five per cent petit verdot. Try from 2022.

93+ Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Badette (composed of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot) leaps from the glass with Black Forest cake, warm black plums and blueberry compote notes with suggestions of baking spices, fragrant earth and menthol plus a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with black fruit and spicy sparks, framed by firm, rounded tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown