Grand Cercle wines: Mainly 2015 just bottled

Chateau de Pressac Saint Emilion
Tasted Thursday, November 30, 2017 by PanosKakaviatos with 860 views

Introduction

The Grand Cercle includes many so-called “satellite” appellations of Bordeaux including Côtes de Castillon, Lalande de Pomerol, Fronsac, Canon-Fronsac, Bordeaux Superieur, Entre Deux Mers and Côtes de Bordeaux. And that is only mainly the Right Bank.
The grouping includes scores of Left Bank wines, from Graves and the Médoc.
In a single day, I tasted some 150 wines. Please pardon the rather brief nature of my notes, since it was quite a bit of wine.
I arrived on a cold yet sunny morning of 30 November, to a spacious tasting room at Château de Pressac in Saint Emilion, welcomed by owner Jean-Francois Quenin, who is vice president of the Grand Cercle.
The organizers have long taken note of my preference for more classically styled Bordeaux, and are always very supportive, even if I can be critical with some estates within the Cercle.
À chacun son goût.
Joining us at were also Grand Cercle representative Stéphanie Delécrin and president, Dr. Alain Raynaud, who tasted through some of the wines with me.
This posting may be further edited, as I accidentally posted same notes for first few wines twice.

Flight 1 - Bordeaux Sup wines, first flight (2015) (8 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Penin Les Cailloux 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    This has a friendly and broad entry, rich and a bit heavy, perhaps a bit burly. But for a glass of wine at a bar, why not? At 14.5% alcohol.

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  • 2015 Château Peyfaures Bordeaux Supérieur 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    A bit more of a nuanced flavor than the preceding wine, the Penin Les Cailloux, even if a a bit more rigid too. Also 14.5% alcohol but not as big tasting as the special cuvée.

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  • 2015 Château Peyfaures Bordeaux Supérieur Dame de Coeur 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Chocolate like rich. Clocking in at 14.5% and it comes across a bit more heavy duty, and somewhat bombastic, as compared to the regular cuvée. Not perhaps my cup of tea (or glass of wine), but it should please those who love BIG.

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  • 2015 Reignac 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Rich nose, albeit quite simple in its expression. Like smelling a chocolate cake. Who does not like chocolate cake? The palate is drying a bit on the finish however.

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  • 2015 Château de Reignac Balthus 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Comes across a bit stolid to me. The alcohol is felt, but not over done either. Still I feel it is rather heavy. A bit monolithic. Just not coming away all that impressed here.

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  • 2015 Château Sainte Barbe 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux

    Rich, jammy aspects, blackberry fruit, albeit just a bit drying on the finish. Yet it is scrumptious in nature, and I can see how people who seek rich, nearly New World styles, from reds could enjoy this.

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  • 2015 Reignac 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Lovely and rich to be sure. The nose is quite simple in its expression, akin to smelling a chocolate cake. I like the full body and can see how it will please the people. The palate dries a bit on the finish however.

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  • 2015 Château de Reignac Balthus 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    This is a bit stolid to me. The alcohol is felt, but not over done, either. Still I get an overall monolithic sense. It is full bodied and that could please people asking for a glass of red at a bar, for example.

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Flight 2 - Bordeaux Sup wines, second flight (2015) (5 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Sainte Marie 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    After a series of 14.5% + alcohol styles, this one with 13% comes across cooler and I feel a sense of relief. While not gang busters amazing, this is a tasty drink, with some depth too. I would choose this for food easily.

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  • 2015 Château Sainte Marie Vieilles Vignes 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Has a bit more depth than the regular cuvée but not that much more. A bit ho hum given the title of the wine. But it provides indeed some pleasure as well, mainly Merlot driven.

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  • 2015 Château Lesparre 85 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves de Vayres

    I get an overall confected fruit aspect. And the wine comes across a bit simple and somewhat short on the finish.

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  • 2015 Château Sainte Marie 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    First wine that falls to 13% alcohol (the preceding wines were all at least 14.5%), and I feel a sense of cooler "relief". While not gang busters amazing, this is a tasty drink and has some depth too. I would choose this for food, easily.

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  • 2015 Château Sainte Marie Vieilles Vignes 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur

    Has a bit more depth than the regular bottling, but not much more. It provides indeed some pleasure as well, with ripe fruit driven Merlot.

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Flight 3 - Assorted Côtes de Bordeaux (2015) (7 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Clos Chaumont 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

    Has 60% Merlot and 14% alcohol. This is rather pleasing, overall, with hints of toffee and espresso, as well as plum fruit and spice. A bit short on the finish perhaps, but overall a fine drink.

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  • 2015 Château Réaut 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

    This blend of 58% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 13.5% alcohol is quite a lovely and nuanced wine, with subtle richness and focused flavors as well as a certain precision. Like a better version of the Sainte Maries tasted earlier. Medium finish. Bravo!

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  • 2015 Château Reynon 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

    The wine of Denis Dubourdieu, who was a fine man and enologist. A rich vintage perhaps matches his philosophy of stressing freshness and yields. This blend of 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot brings out spice and succulent red fruit: a lovely wine. 14% alcohol.

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  • 2015 Château Haut Bertinerie Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

    The blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon at 14% alcohol has confected fruit aromas. The palate is smooth enough, with strawberry and plum flavors.

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  • 2015 Château Réaut 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

    Bravo to this estate. Blending nearly 60% Merlot, with some 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, it is a lovely and nuanced wine, with subtle richness and focused flavors as well as a certain precision. Like a better version of the Sainte Maries tasted earlier. Medium finish and 13.5% alcohol.

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  • 2015 Château Reynon 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux

    Another fine Côtes de Bordeaux, and a rich vintage that perhaps matches Denis Dubourdieu's philosophy of stressing freshness and yields. A very lovely wine indeed.

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  • 2015 Château Haut Bertinerie Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux

    This blend of 60-40 Merlot yields confected fruit aromas with a smooth palate. Pleasing flavors of strawberry and plum throughout.

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Flight 4 - Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon (2015) (14 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Ampélia 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    Lovely aromatics, rather deep plum with some floral freshness. Smooth on the palate, not too polished, shows character, just a tad more monolithic than one would have expected, given the nose. Time in bottle? 14.5% alcohol with 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

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  • 2015 Château Cap de Faugères 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    Rather primary nose. Quite fruit driven, as well as subtle in its opulence. I like the tannic edge here. Somewhat drying on the finish, just a tad that detracts, but overall a fine wine.

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  • 2015 Château Côte Montpezat Cuvée Compostelle 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    What a fun label! And at 15% alcohol, certainly very rich. But not over the top, as one would expect from the alcohol level. As one gets to the finish, it does come across as a bit heady, however. But it is a flavorful wine.

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  • 2015 Château de Laussac 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    At 14.5% alcohol, this blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc is rather smooth overall on the palate. Unlike the Cuvee Sacha, this has more vivacity, albeit a bit closed in. Still, I sense the substance and matiere so give it a year or so in bottle and serve as a hearty glass of Bordeaux. Nice!

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  • 2015 Château de Laussac Cuvee Sacha

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    This is the Cuvee Sacha of the same estate tasted previously, which I prefer. Same alcohol and blend, but a particular terroir. Noticeable oak on the nose. Yes, it seems that they have lots of new oak here that deadens the fruit at this stage.

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  • 2015 Clos Puy Arnaud Cuvée Les Ormeaux 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    This blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc at 14% alcohol seems rather austere at first, but with some time in glass, fresh aromatics and bright fruit please the taster. The palate shows vivacity as well as plum like richness, but not over rich. Bravo!

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  • 2015 Château Veyry

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    At 15% alcohol with a dark color and the palate is rather intense and the oak is felt. A bit too heady for my tastes.

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  • 2015 Château Ampélia 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    This clocks in at 14.5% alcohol, blending 80% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc. Lovely aromatics, rather deep plum with some floral freshness. Smooth on the palate, not too polished, shows character, just a tad more monolithic than one would have expected, given the nose.

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  • 2015 Château Cap de Faugères 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    Rather primary nose. Quite fruit driven, as well as subtle in its opulence. I like the tannic edge here. Somewhat drying on the finish, alas.

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  • 2015 Château Côte Montpezat 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    At 15% alcohol, this is certainly very rich. But not over the top, as one would expect from the alcohol level. As one gets to the finish, it does come across as a bit heady however. So overall, it gets an enthusiastic note if not spectacular. The label is fun!

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  • 2015 Château de Laussac 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    This is rather smooth overall on the palate. Unlike the Cuvée Sacha, this has better vivacity, albeit a bit closed in. Still, I sense the substance and matiere, so give a year or so in bottle and serve as a hearty glass of Bordeaux.

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  • 2015 Château de Laussac Cuvee Sacha

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    Although it has the same level of alcohol as the regular bottling of Château de Laussac, which I prefer, I cannot get past the all too noticeable oak on the nose. Yes, it seems that they have lots of new oak here that deadens the fruit.

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  • 2015 Clos Puy Arnaud 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    This blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc is the most interesting in this Castillon flight. Rather austere at first, but with some time in glass, fresh aromatics and bright fruit please the taster. The palate shows the fine vivacity as well as plum like richness, but never "over rich." Bravo! 14% alcohol.

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  • 2015 Château Veyry 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    At 15% alcohol, a darker color, and the aromatics and palate are rather intense, and the oak is felt. A bit too much, a bit too heady for my taste.

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Flight 5 - Fine Fronsacs (2015) (8 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Dalem 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    The first of a series of Fronsac 2015s tasted and not too shabby, this blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Rich and opulent, and you sense a step up in nuance compared to previous wines tasted, even at 15% alcohol, which shows that not only do we need balance but also terroir. Hillside facing south. Very smooth with sap and gravitas, matiere. Bravo!

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  • 2015 Château de la Dauphine 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    Same blend as the Dalem but a bit less alcohol, at 14.5%. Rich if just a bit more candied, as compared to the Dalem. Still there is earthy richness on the palate the conveys fine substance to the taster. Nice job as well!

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  • 2015 Château Fontenil 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    At 14.5% alcohol, it does seem a bit heady, but I would say there is lots of fun in this wine. The attack is full of fruit filled pleasure and it leads to a long finish. Still, it dries out a bit.

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  • 2015 Haut-Carles 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    What a lovely wine! Nose aromatically pleasing. Floral and fruit driven, and veritably floral. With a hint of iron like earthiness that lends a certain gravitas. This has focus freshness and bright fruit. Wow. My favorite of the Fronsacs in 2015 in this tasting.

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  • 2015 Château La Vieille Cure 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    This blend of 81% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon clocking in at 14.5% alcohol is quite opulent and spicy. A bit heady however. Lacks the character and nuance of, say, Haut-Carles. Or Dalem. As it dries out ever so slightly (but noticeably) on the finish.

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  • 2015 Château Villars 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    OK, so 15% alcohol but this is smooth and nuanced enough. Fairly straightforward. Has full body and freshness, if just a tad foursquare compared to the top Fronsacs in my book for this tasting.

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  • 2015 Château de la Rivière 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    One of my absolute favorites so far among the Fronsacs. Lovely nose with tobacco like aspects. Smooth and contoured. There is a pleasing straightforward aspect to this wine that beckons further sipping.

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  • 2015 Château Les Trois Croix 93 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Fronsac

    This blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, clocking in at 14.5% alcohol exudes a lovely, fresh limestone driven nose. The palate is rich and zesty even, and the vines grown on the highest hill in Fronsac. Privately owned by the family of Patrick Leon, who had worked at Mouton Rothschild and Almaviva among other estates. Very smooth overall, with a long finish. Great stuff.

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Flight 6 - Excellent Pomerols (2015) (9 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Bourgneuf 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Owned by the Vayron family since 1821, this vineyard lies in the heart of Pomerol’s most prestigious terroirs, with Château Trotanoy as its neighbor. Formed by a sloping plot, the west-facing vineyard enjoys ideal sun exposure – indeed a very warm spot in Pomerol. The wine is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The vines have an average age of 40 years, planted on gravelly clay enhanced by an iron-rich subsoil. Aging in 35% new oak barrels. The wine conveys firm tannins and structure, but with opulence. What I like most is the nuance and the elegance so there is excellent aging potential.

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  • 2015 Château La Clémence 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Comes from a “patchwork” of terroirs that characterize Pomerol: red gravel soils, white gravel soils, sand on clay, blue clay. The six plots on three hectares are carefully tended and the wines are getting better each year. Although it comes across just a bit simple, I like the primary ripe fruit. Compared to some others tasted at the Grand Cercle tasting, it seems to have a bit more hard tannin, but there is much substance and density to the palate, so this is promising for a bit of cellar aging. 14.5% alcohol.

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  • 2015 Château Feytit Clinet 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Although there is here a bit of a four square aspect, compared to, say, Bourgneuf, which I had tasted at the Grand Cercle and at the Moueix tasting, it does deliver the goods in a ripe and rather rich fashion. Interesting to note the terroir aspects here, as the vineyard likes lower on a slope as compared to Bourgneuf, while Trotanoy is higher than both. The vineyard covers 6.5 hectares and is made up of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the average age of which is 30 years. The vines grow in gravelly, sandy soils and are cultivated using traditional techniques.

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  • 2015 Château de la Commanderie Pomerol 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    This is rather stolid although with some edgy and perhaps too detectable oak-driven tannin. Tasted just after the preceding wines, it lacks the sumptuous nature of Bourgneuf and the linear focus of Feytit-Clinet. Still, the ripe fruit is there as is the density of the vintage.

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  • 2015 Château Lecuyer 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    This blend of 90% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc comes from a small vineyard of 3 hectares than cover two types of soils: (1) gravel over clay on the plateau, not too far from the church. These soils tend towards generous and racy wines and (2) the bottom of the plateau that has sand over clay, that can result in lighter more elegant wines. My overall impression? A wine that is both flavorful and rich. It may lack the depth of, say, Bourgneuf, but it has a distinct fun factor on the rich mid palate. The finish is a tad austere but that means it just needs some bottle aging to smoothen out the tannins. Good job.

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  • 2015 Château Mazeyres 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    This 25-hectare property, certified organic and converted to biodynamic viticulture since 2015, is darn good. Gravely, sandy and clay soils yield excellent wine for a fair price. While not exhibiting the same density of higher caliber Pomerol, the just-bottled 2015 vintage exhibits smooth succulence and fine depth.

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  • 2015 Clos de la Vieille Église Pomerol 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Just 1.5 hectares, the vineyard consists of clay and gravel and the vines average 45 years old. New oak barrels are filled with the new vintage for malolactic fermentation. The same barrels will then be used for ageing approximately 20 months. The 30% of Cabernet Franc in the blend is meant to lend freshness and the majority is of course Merlot. This is OK, and – yes – there is a certain mentholated fresh aspect but overall a bit too straightforward and lacking nuance as compared to its peers.

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  • 2015 Clos Vieux Taillefer 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Tasted after the previous “Clos,” this wine conveys more warmth and pleasure, with impressive lingering length marked by ripe fruit. There is a minty freshness to the aftertaste that is nice as well. Very nice work!

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  • 2015 Château Vray Croix de Gay 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Pomerol

    Since 2015, three parcels of vines that have begun conversion to organic growing and managed bio-dynamically. Alain Raynaud made this wine. It is at 14.5% alcohol, 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. It conveys fine richness and depth and should reward your palate even this young but more so with 10+ years of cellaring.

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Flight 7 - Bargains from Lalande de Pomerol (2015) (8 Notes)

  • 2015 Château l'Ambroisie 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    100 percent Merlot. Oak aspects that dominate a bit too much. Perhaps because the yields were too high to be able to match the fruit? Too much oak…

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  • 2015 Château Jean de Gue 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    A bit more nuanced and with spicier aspects than the Ambroisie tasted just before, as we have a certain freshness. Still, a slightly dilute aspect detracts. Not bad overall.

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  • 2015 Château de Chambrun 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    One of the best wines from the Grand Cercle tasting as it exudes a certain depth and tannic presence. Quite an impressive wine. There is a Pauillac aspect to this wine.

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  • 2015 Château Moncets 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    Same team that made the impressive Château de Chambrun also crafts this wine. Very pretty. It has 14.5% alcohol but comes across balanced with substance and structure. Just joined the Grand Cercle in November 2017. Bravo!

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  • 2015 Château Perron La Fleur 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    This is also a pretty wine, not quite as rich or as substantial as the Château Moncets, tasted just before, but smooth and flavorful.

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  • 2015 Château La Sergue 85 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    I just get too much oak on the nose and on the palate, it seems to overwhelm the fruit.

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  • 2015 Château Siaurac 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    Although coming across as somewhat reduced, I really like the smooth aspect on the palate and it has both freshness and richness. Quite a nice wine!

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  • 2015 Château Tournefeuille 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, Lalande de Pomerol

    This is quite a star from the Grand Cercle in 2015 - and a Lalande de Pomerol I plan to purchase. Not just very pretty and floral, with rich blackberry as well, but also substantial and long on the finish, coming from both gravelly and clay soils. Blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Excellent!

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Flight 8 - St. Émilion Grand Cru (2015) (19 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Boutisse 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This is pretty frank and delicious. Has weight and substance. Not the most intriguing wine… but tasty enough.

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  • 2015 Château Carteau Cotes Daugay 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Not as fresh as the preceding wine tasted, the Château Boutisse, but it carries a certain weight.

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  • 2015 Château La Croizille 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This has more evident oak on the nose and seems to lacks the balance of the two preceding wines tasted in this series of grand cru Saint Emilion. Although the palate seems to deal with it rather well. Give it time?

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  • 2015 Clos Dubreuil Flawed

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    15% alcohol and too heavy. Perhaps a bit of TCA? Note reserved.

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  • 2015 La Fleur d'Arthus 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Smooth and tasty. A bit drying on the finish, but overall there is pleasing mid palate juice.

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  • 2015 Château Godeau 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This is tasty indeed! This has personality and verve, albeit a bit heady on the finish and - no kidding - as the 15% alcohol is felt! The difference with some other high octane wines tasted today from the Grand Cercle is that this handles the oak well, and somehow comes across as more balanced overall.

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  • 2015 Château l'Hermitage Lescours 85 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This blend of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon seems a bit tight overall, and there is all too evident oak tannin along with 15% alcohol. I am not enchanted.

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  • 2015 Château Laplagnotte-Bellevue 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    There is some lovely ripe fruit driven flavor here, that brightens the palate nicely, although it has somewhat austere tannins.

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  • 2015 Lynsolence 85 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    For many years, I have gone perhaps against the opinions of many tasters who swear by this wine, but I fear that yet again we encounter too much oak derived aspects and a drying finish ...

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  • 2015 Château Montlabert 85 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Alas, this wine, which I have liked in the past, seems to be over dominated by the oak and dries out on the finish.

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  • 2015 Château du Parc 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    After the oaky dominance of the two preceding wines, I get more succulence from the palate of this estate, but then again it also gets to be a bit drying on the finish, so I cannot score it too highly.

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  • 2015 Château Pas de l'Ane St. Émilion Grand Cru 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    I enjoy the rather nuanced palate here of ripe red and dark fruit, and a tasty succulence. The 14.5% alcohol is well integrated as is the oak. Nice job! Medium finish.

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  • 2015 Château Patris Querre 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    The wine is somewhat foursquare in its delivery, and dries a bit on the finish. Nothing to write home about, but not bad, either.

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  • 2015 Château Pindefleurs 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    More cohesive and succulent than the average impression left by most of these grands crus, but where is the lift? It is OK, but lacks the lift of wines like, say, Château Corbin.

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  • 2015 Château Rol Valentin 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This blends 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. At 14.5% alcohol, it seems oaky, too, yet sweet enough to please popular palates. I suppose that it dries out a tad on the finish, but I can see how the sweet dark ripe fruit will please many a palate; it just does not happen to jive with my ideal of Saint Emilion.

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  • 2015 Château Roylland 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This can be considered a good, solid Bordeaux, but a bit drying… And a bit boring?

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  • 2015 Château Soutard-Cadet St. Émilion Grand Cru 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Tasted after the Roylland, I get much more juicy succulence from this wine. Still, it seems to dry out a bit on the finish, which detracts a bit.

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  • 2015 Château Tour Baladoz 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This is, again, a bit drying. It is OK, but lacks lift on the finish!

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  • 2015 Château Trianon 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Not as drying as the many of the others but I still yearn for a sap-driven, lifting wine like Château Corbin. In any case, Trianon is rather tasty - and robust especially. It just lacks the vivacity I would expect from a grand cru in 2015.

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Flight 9 - St. Émilion Grand Cru Classé (2015) (10 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Bellefont-Belcier 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This is 15% alcohol and quite rich and full bodied, as one would expect. The attack is very pleasing, with spice and ripe fruit that enchant, but the finish dries out just a bit.

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  • 2015 Château Destieux 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Compared to the Bellefont-Belcier, this seems to have more of a sap driven aspect, with a robust mid palate and ripe fruit, but again dries out just a bit on the finish.14.5% alcohol.

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  • 2015 Château Fonroque 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    There is something a bit "stilted" about this wine. It is correct, it has fruit, and there is structure, but it lacks nuance and the finish seems a bit short.

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  • 2015 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    It starts out fine, with lovely ripe and even brambly fruit, but you have a drying effect on the finish that perturbs here more than, say, with Bellefont Belcier or Destieux. I just do not get the expected lift on the finish. It would be worth re-tasting because I normally enjoy this estate's wines more.

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  • 2015 Château Laroze 91 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Could this be perhaps the best of the grand cru classés tasted at the Grand Cercle? Why? Not as "drying out" as the others on the finish, as it has both a fleshy palate and lift.

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  • 2015 Château La Marzelle 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This is "strraighforward" fun! I rather like its chocolate aspects with fruit but not drying or heavy, even if nearly 100% new oak. The wine is smooth and ripe, with a long finish. Quite delicious!

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  • 2015 Château de Pressac 92 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    Bravo to Château de Pressac for crafting a wine with a whopping 15% alcohol - rich and substantial - but it does not dry out. A touch heady, sure, but I could see why this would please many a fan.

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  • 2015 Château Le Prieuré St. Émilion Grand Cru 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This is a bit too heady for its own good, a bit foursquare. Not sure. It is fun enough, but seems to lack the potential for nuance.

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  • 2015 Château Sansonnet 94 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    I would say that this may be the best of the grand cru classés tasted at the Grand Cercle tasting. This is a wine that shows a bit of arc, broad shouldered, sure, yet it seems to have a potential for complexity. The nose is floral and fresh, which seems to rise above many of the other Saint Emilons tasted today. The 15% alcohol does seem a bit too much, on the finish, and makes me wonder whether the 2014 may be a better buy in terms of quality and price, but still. Quite a serious wine, as is usual from this great terroir.

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  • 2015 Château Yon-Figeac 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru

    This was polished and elegant enough. The nose shows too many oak notes that perturb as being too prominent, but time in bottle should relax this, as their is matching ripe fruit that is not over-ripe or "too alcoholic" feeling.

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Flight 10 - Haut Médocs (2015) (7 Notes)

  • 2015 Château d'Agassac 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    After quite a few heady Right Bankers, this seemed to bring almost a refreshing sense of relief although this a bit tight overall. The attack was pleasing, marked by ripe fruit, but then it clamped down. As already experienced at the cru bourgeois tasting, the tannins are somewhat austere at this just bottled stage. Give it time in bottle...

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  • 2015 Château d'Arcins 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    This is overall smoother than the preceding wine. More humble, too, yet more delicious. While the preceding, the d'Agassac, wine suggests 15 years of aging, this one is proclaiming 5-12. And I give the edge to this one, at least for earlier drinking!

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  • 2015 Château du Cartillon 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    A pretty tasty, wine overall, a Haut Médoc between Margaux and Saint Julien. I like the rich ripe fruit, but the tannins are somewhat austere.

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  • 2015 Château Lestage-Simon 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    Along similar lines as the du Cartillon, this seems a bit friendlier, showing less structure and more flattering ripe fruit, but still showing some austerity on the finish, which needs time in bottle to soften.

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  • 2015 Château Malescasse 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    I was expecting more from this producer. The aromatics are fine, with ripe fruit and some graphite, but the palate seems closed in the finish a bit pinched. Not sure about this ...

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  • 2015 Château Peyredon Lagravette Haut-Médoc 89 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    This is far better than the preceding wine, the Malescasse, as it has a pleasing ripe fruit sweetness without being cloying, along with a fine tannic edge for cellaring. Does it dry out a bit on the finish? Perhaps, but overall it shows depth and character.

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  • 2015 Château de Villegeorge 86 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    This is quite appealing on the attack, but it dries out on the finish.

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Flight 11 - Various Médoc appellations (2015) (9 Notes)

  • 2015 Château Cap Léon Veyrin 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Listrac-Médoc

    A blend of 57% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, this wine of 14% alcohol comes across rather tasty and zesty. A bit rustic on the finish? Sure. But overall I could easily drink this with barbecued steak!

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  • 2015 Château d'Arsac Margaux 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    I had a better experience tasting the bottle along with other cru bourgeois at a tasting not too far in date from this one, but still it shows elegance and a refined palate, even if it comes across more closed here.

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  • 2015 Château Haut Breton Larigaudière 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    While coming across smoother than the d'Arsac from Margaux, tasted just before, it seems to be more simple, with less potential for complexity with cellaring.

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  • 2015 Château La Tour de Bessan 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

    OK, I do like the scrumptious aspect on the mid palate, and this is a delicious fruit driven drink, but I miss a bit of "Margaux elegance" and it dries out a bit, too …

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  • 2015 Château Bellegrave (Pauillac) 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Pencil lead nose. This is a bit austere on the finish, especially, but it has an appealing Pauillac grip. Give it time! Maybe 10 years down the road? Serious juice.

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  • 2015 Château Fonbadet 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac

    Not as positive an experience as I had at the Cru Bourgeois tasting, but good. When tasted at the Cru Bourgeois, I got a warmer feeling, like a 2009, but here it came across as more austere. Perhaps the Bellegrave is friendlier by comparison? In any case, a wine to cellar.

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  • 2015 Château Clauzet 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    This has grip and verve. A bit austere and rustic on the finish, but not diluted or "slight" in any way. Give it time in bottle.

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  • 2015 Château Tour des Termes 87 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe

    Polished nose, albeit with some noticeable oak. The palate is robust.

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  • 2015 Château du Glana 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien

    Bravo! This is more suave than either of the two Pauillacs tasted before, and pretty darn smooth overall. Plum fruit. Not really elegant, but there is juiciness.

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Flight 12 - Graves and Pessac Léognan (2015) (7 Notes)

Flight 13 - Dry whites (2015 and 2016) (13 Notes)

Closing

This tasting proved yet again the point that the Grand Cercle is a truly open grouping that welcomes both praise and criticism, as long as they are constructive. Not every taster has the same taste, and I was again honored to be invited to assess these wines, this time for the 2015 vintage.
Many thanks to Grand Cercle representative Stéphanie Delécrin for organizing the all-day tasting.
It is important to note that the Grand Cercle is not just a club made up of members who join, by simply declaring themselves as such, but who submit their wines to two obligatory evaluation tastings every year.
A vintage also is tasted blind by an outside independent jury. Up to now, the Grand European Jury (GJE) has been requested to organize this professional tasting.
In addition to the tasting, I enjoyed lunch and dinner at the château, with several other members of the Grand Cercle.
Thank you to them for their time to explain their wines and to Jean-Francois Quenin and his wife for hosting.

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