Peby Faugeres 2016 (750ML)

97-98 JS / 93-96 WS / 90-92 WA / 89-92 AG

This has an incredible finish to it and shows such energy and intensity. Full-bodied yet vivid and energetic. Chewy tannins. Goes on for minutes. Merlot magic. - James Suckling

Vivid, with racy acidity from the start that allows the copious raspberry and plum confiture flavors to pump along with energy. Very enticing spice treatment on the finish. Has a lavish edge, but its energy offsets that nicely. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

The 2016 Peby Faugeres is pure Merlot cropped at 22 hectoliters per hectare and matured in 65% new oak. It has a very intense, opulent bouquet with licorice-tinged black and red fruit, although I find more personality in the Faugeres, more terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin. It feels spicy and opulent, orange rind infusing black fruit, powerful and intense on the finish. I would just like to see more personality. How does the song go? "I know you got soul." I just want to see it here. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Silvio Denz's flagship Peby Faugères (100% Merlot) is a sumptuous wine, with no hard edges and solid balance. There is good depth to the red-toned fruit, espresso, mocha and spice flavors, but I don't see the density or explosive power of the best vintages. Like all of Denz's 2016s at this stage, Peby Faugères is good, but not particularly expressive. Jean-Philippe Fort is the consultant. Tasted two times. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media