Château Villars Fronsac 2016

The 2016 Villars has come together beautifully. Lavender, rose petal, mint and sweet red/purplish berries all lift from the glass. This is an especially perfumed, silky Fronsac built on finesse and understated energy. All the elements meld together effortlessly.

The 2016 Villars has a more classically-driven, perhaps backward bouquet compared to its Fronsac peers, and it required some time to open in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet, candied opening. It feels like this has undergone a little more maceration than others and feels just a tad overdone on the finish.

Big and bold, this wine powered by Merlot shows its richness and alcohol, leaving a bitter edge. Wood aging has given some attractive minty character to the wine, but it is powerful and heavy. Drink from 2022.