Barrel Sample. With tannins that are ripe and velvety, this is already a generous wine. At the same time, it has a line of acidity that keeps it crisp and brings out the black currant fruitiness. Put the two elements together and the wine will be on top form after 2027.

Also terrific, the 2016 Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is in the same league as the 2015 and offers a perfectly balanced, medium to full-bodied style as well as complex notes of red and black fruits, smoke tobacco, incense, and cedar. It picks up a Graves-induced cold fireplace note as it sits in the glass, and again, is a beautifully balanced, layered 2016 that has loads of character. Give bottles a few years and enjoy over the following 15+.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Larrivet Haut-Brion reveals a beguiling, earthy/truffle-laced nose with notions of crushed rocks, tilled soil, fungi and mossy bark over a core of warm cassis and blackberry compote. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegantly crafted with soft, fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a quiet intensity of savory nuances.

A bit compact still, with cedar and singed vanilla notes holding the core of lightly mulled currant and blackberry fruit at bay for now. A sanguine hint checks in on the back end, with the cedar element emerging, lending a slightly austere edge to the finish. Best from 2022 through 2030. 15,000 cases made.

The 2016 Larrivet Haut-Brion has a very pleasant bouquet of red currant and cranberry fruit, plus cedar and light mint aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly raw tannins, but it feels fresh and there is decent vigor on the finish. This is a bit "all thumbs" at the moment; hopefully time will knit everything together. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.