Clos Marsalette Pessac-Leognan 2016
Country: France Region: Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux
Category: Red Wine Style: Dry Vintage: 2016
Varietal: 53% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Producer: Vignobles Comtes von Neipperg
Description:
Located in Martillac, in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, Clos Marsalette is jointly owned by Count Stephan von Neipperg and Didier Miqueu.
This vineyard sits magnificently on gravelly rises deposited eons ago by the Garonne. Offering a great diversity, the subsoil is composed of marine sediment from the Miocene and Pliocene epochs (5 to 15 million years ago) in the form of shelly sand with a bit of clay, fawn-colored sand, and multi-colored clay.
92-95 points Wine Spectator
A bright sanguine note gives this a distinctive feel, while racy cassis and bitter cherry fruit fills in behind. Offers a long singed juniper note through the finish. A bit atypical in profile for Pessac, but the focus and energy is enjoyable. 
92 points James Suckling
Beautiful sweet berries and strawberries. Hints of orange peel. Full to medium body, medium tannins and a savory and bright finish. Enjoy the toasted oak and chocolate undertone to this. Drink in 2021.
90-92 points Wine Advocate
The 2016 Clos Marsalette, the Pessac-Léognan property of Comte Stephan von Neipperg, is a blend of 45% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 4-18 October and matured in 35% new oak. It has a clean and precise bouquet with blackberry and bilberry scents, a fine undercurrent of minerals. I like the elegance on display here. The palate is medium-bodied with mulberry and blackberry on the entry, a touch of black olive and quite a saline second half that is both fresh and detailed. This should drink well over the next decade. It's just a delicious wine--no more, no less.
91 points Decanter
As ever with Neipperg this is perfectly dressed, with great fruit selection and presentation, ready for a close up. Oak toast is evident but well balanced by some attractive black cherry, raspberry coulis and charcoal mid-palate. A very good wine.
91 points Jeb Dunnuck
As to the red Graves from the Neipperg family, the 2016 Clos Marsalette is plush and charming, with a delicate style in its pretty cassis and currant fruits, notes of tobacco, medium body, and silky, fine tannins. All about balance and finesse, yet with good density, drink it any time over the coming 10-15 years. This is another brilliant sleeper in this vintage and should be snatched up by savvy readers.
Tasting notes
Smoke, dark cherry and tobacco notes create the bouquet. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied, fresh, supple, and forward, with a dark cherry and espresso filled finish.
Food Suggestion:
Clos Marsalette is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese. The white wine of Clos Marsalette is a perfect wine to serve with shellfish, sashimi, sushi, all types of seafood, chicken, veal, and a myriad of cheeses.
