DOMAINE DU BOUSCAT "CADUCE" 2016

This cuvée from François Dubernard's 9.2-hectare, is south facing, hillside vineyard just west of Fronsac. Density is 4,500-5,500 vines/ha and includes 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Average age in 2016 was 42 years. Very well-managed, sustainably farmed and mechanically tilled vineyard. Harvested between October 7th and 16th.Net yields were just 37.5 hls/ha. Fermented in unlined cement tanks. 21-day maceration. Aged on its post-malo lees then for 15 months in one, two, and three-wine old barrels from Seguin-Moreau, Taransaud, Orion, Darnajou, Le Grand and Rousseau. Blend is the same as the encépagement. Total production was 46,000 bottles. 13.50%.

91 points JamesSuckling

90 points Jeb Dunnuck