Showing beautifully each of the three times I was able to taste it, the 2016 Château Ripeau reveals a ruby/purple color as well as a forward, fleshy style in its black fruits, tobacco, earth, and underbrush-scented aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, supple and rounded on the palate, with a charming, satisfying profile, drink it any time over the coming 15-20 years. Owned by the Grégoire family, with the talented and passionate Julien Salles and Claude Gros making the wine, this estate continues to raise the bar, and the best is yet to come. The 2016 is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested between October 12th and October 22nd, all aged 18 months in new oak.

The 2016 Ripeau exudes darkness, power and intensity. Succulent black cherry, plum, bittersweet chocolate, new leather, grilled herbs, licorice and cloves all build in the glass. Racy and flamboyant to the core, the 2016 has much to offer, including tremendous early appeal. This is a gorgeous wine in every way. - By Antonio Galloni on December 2018

The second year under ownership of the Gregoire family, and definitely one to watch. This has real personality - tight with high acidity that reflects its youth - but it's brimming with cassis fruits, liquorice root and sweet spices. An enjoyable wine, matured in 100% new oak, in a mix of 225l and larger-sized casks. 35hl/ha yield.

Flowers, black raspberries, licorice and cocoa scents move you for the palate, which is medium-full bodied, ripe, soft, sweet, fresh and forward. The finish is all about the juicy, cocoa tinged, fresh, dark red fruits. The wine was made from blending 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.92 Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2016&wine=Chateau%20Ripeau

(91+ points) Blended of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Ripeau has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of blackberry pie, dried herbs and earth with savory notions of beef drippings, charcuterie and wood smoke. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with a solid core of muscular fruit and very good length. About 2,916 cases produced.- LPB