Neal Martin of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave the wine 89 points and this review: “The 2016 La Bernadotte has a clean and precise bouquet with cigar smoke infused blackcurrant and bilberry fruit. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied and a little too oaky on the entry, however, there is satisfying depth to this Haut-Medoc and I appreciate the savory finish.” Neal believes the wine will keep drinking well through 2029.
Roger Voss of WineEnthusiast was a tad more generous: 91 points and this commentary: “This estate, with its historic connections with the Swedish royal family, is now performing well. This latest vintage, with its rich tannins and dense flavors, has concentration as well as attractive black-fruit lusciousness. Drink this well-balanced wine from 2023.”
James Suckling was even more sanguine, awarding the wine a whopping 93 points and this review: “The great dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend has given this wine both a fine structure and crisp swathes of black-currant fruit. It is a firm wine at this stage, although the fine fruitiness will become an important part of the taste.”
I’ve seen this excellent Bordeaux at under $13. That, my friends, is a deal!
