Bordeaux 2015:
the reds
Rather unique in character, it is clear that 2015 – with its hallmark freshness – is the best vintage since 2010 in Bordeaux. Many of the wines are excellent, “modern classics” that combine elegance and power, but it is important to be selective.
Learn more about Bordeaux 2015:
the reds
So what of the style of the wines? There are lots which impress, that’s for sure. Freshness is a hallmark of this vintage, and the wines with concentration of fruit, precision and carefully judged grainy tannins are of a truly excellent quality. The Clarets of 2015 have been described as “Modern Classics” by many of the winemakers and we think this is a very accurate description.
The 2015 vintage is not a Merlot or Cabernet year. It is also not a Right or Left Bank vintage. Some great wines have been produced from all appellations – and some not too great wines as well.
In glowing terms, we used the following descriptors most often for the 2015s: charm, elegance, finesse, concentration, silky grainy tannins, freshness, beautiful spice, long persistent finish, underbelly of power, pace, harmony, structured complexity, multi-layered ripe and juicy fruit.
These characteristics make it a rather attractive vintage. In contrast to the wines of 10, 15, 20 years ago and more, the wines show a lot of ripe, juicy, fleshy fruit, and can appear very approachable –even at a young age and when tasted en primeur from barrel. The old-fashioned style was to go heavy on prominent tannins and high acidity: this vintage combines the best aspects of both, creating harmony and beautiful balance – hence the description as a modern classic.
The petits châteaux will be ready to drink five years from the vintage, but a lot of the best wines will be excellent well beyond that and into the next 20 or 30 years.
It is not possible to find a completely comparable vintage for 2015. It offers some of the best characteristics of a number of other vintages. However, it certainly sits just beneath the greats of the last 20 years (2000, 2005, 2009 and 2010) and the rest.
We found the greatest consistency of very good wines in Margaux, St Estèphe, Pomerol and Pessac-Léognan. However, there were excellent wines from all other appellations too including Pauillac, St Julien, St Emilion and the rest of the Médoc.
Prices:
Case price (H/Bottle 12 x 37.5cl)
H/Bottle 12 x 37.5cl 19cs
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 293cs
Case price (Magnum 6 x 150cl)
Magnum 6 x 150cl 50cs
Bottle
£15.95
Bottle 6 x 75cl 98cs
Bottle
£21.00
Bottle 6 x 75cl 178cs
Magnum
£29.00
Magnum 6 x 150cl 29cs
Case price (Bottle 6 x 75cl)
Bottle 6 x 75cl 48cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carménère
90-92/100
Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate
This is rich and delicious, with high levels of acidity and firm, yet ripe and well-knit tannins. Cherry fruit dominates in the mid-palate and the linear structure is maintained throughout. I really enjoyed the delicious savoury finish. This wine represents another step in the right direction for this important second wine, which has been improving year on year for several vintages now.
Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
The length is long and fresh, with a lingering coolness. The wine displays a tension, suggesting there is more to come in the future. What a terrific effort this year, the wine is certainly very close to its more illustrious neighbours and should therefore offer tremendous value.
Blend: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Magnum 3 x 150cl 1cs
Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
The tight kernel of fruit unfurls on the back palate coupled with persistent tannins. The finish is accompanied by an attractive smoky profile, suggesting clever use of oak. With plenty of dense and concentrated fruit, liquorice and blackberries, this is the most enjoyable tasting of this wine en primeur that we can remember.
Blend: 90% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc
Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 2cs
The wine tastes glorious, just as great wine should taste: crunchy pure and fresh fruit, high acidity, silky ripe tannins and nice balance. This is a triumphant wine, with a typical and classic blend for this great estate, and phenomenal length. It is a wine that the château can be proud of. Really elegant and one of our favourites, it's a must-buy this year.
Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
Sleek and fresh, the palate offers sweet redcurrant fruit in abundance. This is a very charming wine and typically offers an excellent introduction to the world of St Julien, at an attractive price.
Blend: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc
It bursts with cassis, blackcurrants and a brooding intensity. After several years in barrel, it should age gracefully and develop the fruit, which appears with some complexity. Hints of minerality shine through on the finish. It will be a real treat to enjoy in several years’ time.
Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Carménère
There is lovely creamy blackcurrant and strawberry fruit, all kept together by a fine persistence. A delicate, harmonious red fruit nose leads onto a silky, feminine palate and a beautifully balanced finish. This is an excellent (and very good-value) glimpse at the wonders of the estate, but is also a very good wine in its own right.
Blend: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot
Precise dark fruits, rich, juicy blackcurrants and blackberries combine with a healthy dollop of cream. Very tasty. The spiciness on the finish is incredibly well received. With a crunchy mouth-feel, the wine’s concentration is certainly attractive.
Blend: 62% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
D. Magnum 1 x 300cl 1cs
Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 6cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 3cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Bottle 6 x 75cl 1cs
Magnum 3 x 150cl 1cs
Drink: 2027-2050
James Lawther MW - decanter.com - April 2016
Bottle 3 x 75cl 1cs
Oliver Barton, Wine Buyer