The 2016 Bon Pasteur has an atypically modest and almost bashful bouquet at first, one that required coaxing from the glass, eventually offering blackberry, briary and subtle floral aromas that are very classy. The palate is well defined with crisp tannin. This Bon Pasteur is, you might say, more "classic" than the 2015 and more reserved, but displays excellent tension with impressive detail on the finish. It might not quite possess the persistence on the aftertaste of its peers higher up on the plateau, but it is a very, very good Bon Pasteur that I prefer to the 2015. I would not be surprised if this lands at the top of my banded score once in bottle.

The 2016 Bon Pasteur has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and nose of dark chocolate, kirsch and blackberries with tobacco, bay leaves, damp soil and tar nuances. Medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and a lively line, it gives good intensity and an earthy finish.

eminds me of the splendid 1998. Full-bodied yet balanced and rich, showing velvety tannins and a long and beautiful finish. All here. Better than the 2015?

Purplish crimson. Rather interesting soapy/mineral aromas. Rich with a dry finish and a hint of camembert. Interesting! Good life and vivacity even if it's not in the top drawer.