The 2016 Clarendelle is a very pretty, entry-level wine from Clarence Dillon's Clarendelle label. Dark cherry, mocha, spice are all laced throughout. Expressive floral notes add a closing touch of freshness to round things out. A gracious, everyday wine, the 2016 is terriffc.

All of these Clarendelle releases come from the genius at Haut Brion and are ideal for near-term drinking. While I wasn't able to get the price, I'm sure the 2016 Clarendelle Bordeaux is going to represent a great value. Based on 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, it offers a balanced, pretty, medium-bodied style as well as loads of black cherry fruit, cedary herbs, graphite, and subtle floral overtones. Buy a case and drink it over the coming decade.

Fresh and ripe, featuring cassis and bitter plum fruit, lined with light herb and chalk hints. Accessible now. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 87,000 cases made.

This softly textured wine has attractive tannins that are fully integrated. Its texture reflects the vintage, with its ripe acidity and touch of freshness. This open, fruity wine is ready to drink now.

The 2016 Clarendelle is composed of 84% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it gives up youthful notions of fresh red and black plums, mulberries and baking spices plus wafts of stewed tea and bay leaves. Medium-bodied, refreshing and vibrant in the mouth, the palate has a pleasant chewiness to the texture and finishes with an herbal lift.