Very strong showing... Could go longer for sure but delicious at the moment. Full bodied, minerals and dark fruits combine for scintillating pleasure on the pallet. Grippy and wonderful to drink. Enjoiy!
Juniper and black cherries on a generous nose that ends with a burnt molasses note. A light to medium weight body of black savory fruit. More juniper on the lighter-side finish. So much flavor, yet so light on its feet!
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Decanted. Deep garnet color, ruby edges, bright tones. Aromas of fresh black cherry & blackberry, lavender, leather, cedar, clove and paprika. Sleek and refined on the palate, with fresh and concentrated black and red plum & berry fruit, perfectly ripe, with seamless secondary depth of black tea, melted stone, purple flowers, five spice and graphite. Medium to full bodied, with an airy open density and broad round edges, fresh acidity and fine silky tannins, finishing with zesty concentrated length. Excellent, showing beautifully.
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Slipped this into the middle of a dinner of slow cooked lamb at friends amongst some average Rhône reds. No one seemed to notice the difference but I did! Bloody delicious even this young. Smooth as smooth silk. Full and rich with a velvety texture. This wine will be special in 7-10 years time (if I have any left)..
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Such a baby.....but have been checking in on some BDX '16s recently so why not try another '15, too?
Pnp'd to zero barnyard and a beautiful sweet violet nose.....replaced over 1 hour by more savory notes of forest floor and bay leaf type herbs. Medium weight in the mouth, very dark garnet in the glass. Initially slightly tart fruit and fine grainy tannins, but over the 3 hours the grainy aspect of the tannins receded with some mild tongue drying astringency remaining. Red/black plum fruit with gentle spice emerges nearing 4 hours. It takes center stage. While this is quite good, there is still more integration to go and more points left on the table. Cork going back into the bottle and will re-visit tomorrow on Day 2 with an addendum to follow here.
As an aside.....the more I sample these BDX '15s and '16s, the more I feel a kinship to our own Napa '15s and '16s performance-wise. Both very good vintages, yet both so very different. Both the Napa and the BDX '15s seem a bit restrained and 'testy' to me, they need more coaxing while the '16s drink more luscious and fruity and are generally easier to enjoy. The '15s from both regions seem on the whole to need more time than the '16s do, to be at their best. At least at this stage. 5 hours in and this just starts to come together and the fruit intensifies further, gains a point to 93+/94.
Last sips at 6+ hours of air were the best. Fruit (dark red cherry) really opens with clean delineated notes and the wine overall is more in balance. Let's see what tomorrow brings! Great minerality here. It's working its way toward a 95.
Addendum-2nd Day: Initially slow ox'd for 6 hours yesterday, cork back into the half bottle that was left and set on the kitchen counter at 70 deg for another 18 hours before removing the cork today, right at 24 hours since initially opening. Initial impressions? Deep, dark, grainy fruit profile. Much like a Las Piedras Vineyard cab. Heavier weight in the mouth now. Initial thoughts were.......this wine peaked at 6+ hours of air time last night....over the course of 4 more hours tonight, the wine calms down, opens up with more air and turns again to more dark red fruit. The first 2 hours it plays out like the 6th hour last night, just not quite as precise or cleanly focused....the 2nd 2 hours it turns a bit more astringent again. All told, I think I prefer the 5th-6th hours last night as far as clarity of fruit and most balanced put together wine. A solid 94+/95 at that point in time.
PnP. Still very young, with the tannins giving that dry and sandy mouthfeel, but not overwhelmingly so: the wine can be drank now, even if it is better to wait for a few more years. A rich tapestry of nuanced flavors, dark, quite dense and full-bodied. It changes flavor a bit once paired with the desert rather than the BBQ main course, and in a pleasant and surprising way, offering red cherries with earth and pepper. Excellent wine!
Dense nose of black fruits, tobacco, toasted spices, espresso beans and fragrant cedar. Mysterious and dark. Need an hour in the glass for the bouquet to open up. The same notes echoed in the rich and defined palate. Extreme fine tannins with cleansing acidity to support the ripe fruits. Good fitness. Almost full bodied structure which is nicely rounded at the edges. Good balanced already for this young wine. Finish is deep, persistent and lingering. Many elements still hide behind the structure for now. Age this for another 3-5 years and it should open up elegantly. 93-95 pts.
Re-tasted on Nov 2023. A beautiful and balanced bouquet. The aromatics on the nose had gone slightly deeper and wider. Palate has softened somewhat and provided longer finish. Tannins are still fine but firm to ensure longevity. If you are drinking now, good to let it breathe for a while in the decanter. Otherwise, continue aging this for another 3 years recommended. No change in score.
2018 Bordeaux tasting event (Stockholm): Not much of notes. Seductive nose with sweet red fruit. Good structure but soft and silky impression. Pure Merlot wine. Not as good as the 2018 tasted alongside but still very high level.
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The early first bottle out of the case and this wine has not only got bags of potential but it actually drinking so well even at this early stage. Deep and dark with so much fruit going on - not overpowering at all. Drunk over 3 nights alongside a 2011 Feytit-Clinet which is also a 100% Merlot. Both were great for two days but this was still going strong on day 3 when the F-C had given up. Really looking forward to seeing this wine develop over the years.
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What a delightful wine this is. A strong, floral bouquet. Minerals, black fruit, and if a bouquet can be smooth, this one is smooth. We have been enjoying this wine for the last 4 hours and it just keeps getting better. Medium to full bodied, deep garnet color. A year after taking delivery it feels like an incredible bargain.
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This is outstanding!!! I just got my allotment today and sipping one right now with Serano and Parma Reggiano Cheese.. I agree with PanosKakaviatos - very Angelus in character and taste! Great call on his behalf... This is a serious wine, and well worth $50... Drinking wonderfully now... I have '16s as well, but i will let them sit while I enjoy my cache of '15s...
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Quite the young merlot, for now wrapped in velvety pillows of rounded fruit ahead of maturity. The wine embeds a wonderful freshness leading to a distinct finish of mixed fruit and minerals reminiscent of limestone, silt, and oyster shells. The 94 score reflects my personal preference for this style. Attractive QPR.
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The essence of a mineral-driven wine, with salty tannins, fresh, dark, plums, juicy, black cherry, anise and chocolate, this wine is silky, crisp and fresh. The wine was made from 100% Merlot.
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12/29/2023 - Marquis du Vin Likes this wine: 94 Points
Very strong showing... Could go longer for sure but delicious at the moment. Full bodied, minerals and dark fruits combine for scintillating pleasure on the pallet. Grippy and wonderful to drink. Enjoiy!
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8/15/2023 - Zoomin Z Likes this wine: 93 Points
Juniper and black cherries on a generous nose that ends with a burnt molasses note. A light to medium weight body of black savory fruit. More juniper on the lighter-side finish. So much flavor, yet so light on its feet!
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7/4/2023 - Mali Likes this wine: 94 Points
Beginnt jetzt richtig Spaß zu machen. Dicht, kraftvoll, große Tiefe in der dunklen Frucht zeigend. Erste Reifearomen. Lang und fein. jetzt bis 2033
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6/15/2023 - John McCabe wrote: 93 Points
Quite deep and powerful, masses of black fruit, probably needs a decant but really excellent.
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2/4/2023 - MattMauldin Likes this wine: 95 Points
Decanted. Deep garnet color, ruby edges, bright tones. Aromas of fresh black cherry & blackberry, lavender, leather, cedar, clove and paprika. Sleek and refined on the palate, with fresh and concentrated black and red plum & berry fruit, perfectly ripe, with seamless secondary depth of black tea, melted stone, purple flowers, five spice and graphite. Medium to full bodied, with an airy open density and broad round edges, fresh acidity and fine silky tannins, finishing with zesty concentrated length. Excellent, showing beautifully.
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1/2/2023 - JeremyBernton Likes this wine: 94 Points
Stunning, but too young.
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3/6/2022 - DFBW Likes this wine: 92 Points
Slipped this into the middle of a dinner of slow cooked lamb at friends amongst some average Rhône reds. No one seemed to notice the difference but I did! Bloody delicious even this young. Smooth as smooth silk. Full and rich with a velvety texture. This wine will be special in 7-10 years time (if I have any left)..
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2/9/2022 - Mark1npt Likes this wine: 94 Points
Such a baby.....but have been checking in on some BDX '16s recently so why not try another '15, too?
Pnp'd to zero barnyard and a beautiful sweet violet nose.....replaced over 1 hour by more savory notes of forest floor and bay leaf type herbs. Medium weight in the mouth, very dark garnet in the glass. Initially slightly tart fruit and fine grainy tannins, but over the 3 hours the grainy aspect of the tannins receded with some mild tongue drying astringency remaining. Red/black plum fruit with gentle spice emerges nearing 4 hours. It takes center stage. While this is quite good, there is still more integration to go and more points left on the table. Cork going back into the bottle and will re-visit tomorrow on Day 2 with an addendum to follow here.
As an aside.....the more I sample these BDX '15s and '16s, the more I feel a kinship to our own Napa '15s and '16s performance-wise. Both very good vintages, yet both so very different. Both the Napa and the BDX '15s seem a bit restrained and 'testy' to me, they need more coaxing while the '16s drink more luscious and fruity and are generally easier to enjoy. The '15s from both regions seem on the whole to need more time than the '16s do, to be at their best. At least at this stage. 5 hours in and this just starts to come together and the fruit intensifies further, gains a point to 93+/94.
Last sips at 6+ hours of air were the best. Fruit (dark red cherry) really opens with clean delineated notes and the wine overall is more in balance.
Let's see what tomorrow brings! Great minerality here. It's working its way toward a 95.
Addendum-2nd Day: Initially slow ox'd for 6 hours yesterday, cork back into the half bottle that was left and set on the kitchen counter at 70 deg for another 18 hours before removing the cork today, right at 24 hours since initially opening. Initial impressions? Deep, dark, grainy fruit profile. Much like a Las Piedras Vineyard cab. Heavier weight in the mouth now. Initial thoughts were.......this wine peaked at 6+ hours of air time last night....over the course of 4 more hours tonight, the wine calms down, opens up with more air and turns again to more dark red fruit. The first 2 hours it plays out like the 6th hour last night, just not quite as precise or cleanly focused....the 2nd 2 hours it turns a bit more astringent again. All told, I think I prefer the 5th-6th hours last night as far as clarity of fruit and most balanced put together wine. A solid 94+/95 at that point in time.
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5/1/2021 - HU Likes this wine: 94 Points
PnP. Still very young, with the tannins giving that dry and sandy mouthfeel, but not overwhelmingly so: the wine can be drank now, even if it is better to wait for a few more years. A rich tapestry of nuanced flavors, dark, quite dense and full-bodied. It changes flavor a bit once paired with the desert rather than the BBQ main course, and in a pleasant and surprising way, offering red cherries with earth and pepper. Excellent wine!
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2/12/2021 - wolfonthehill Likes this wine: 93 Points
Exquisite. But needs a lot of time. Gave it 3 hours in a decanter and it was nowhere near enough. 5-8 years or 3-5 hours.
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2/10/2020 - Fractalage wrote:
Nah,
Poison.
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2/6/2020 - Psdycp wrote: 93 Points
Dense nose of black fruits, tobacco, toasted spices, espresso beans and fragrant cedar. Mysterious and dark. Need an hour in the glass for the bouquet to open up. The same notes echoed in the rich and defined palate. Extreme fine tannins with cleansing acidity to support the ripe fruits. Good fitness. Almost full bodied structure which is nicely rounded at the edges. Good balanced already for this young wine. Finish is deep, persistent and lingering. Many elements still hide behind the structure for now. Age this for another 3-5 years and it should open up elegantly. 93-95 pts.
Re-tasted on Nov 2023. A beautiful and balanced bouquet. The aromatics on the nose had gone slightly deeper and wider. Palate has softened somewhat and provided longer finish. Tannins are still fine but firm to ensure longevity. If you are drinking now, good to let it breathe for a while in the decanter. Otherwise, continue aging this for another 3 years recommended. No change in score.
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10/3/2019 - Mascarello59 Likes this wine:
2018 Bordeaux tasting event (Stockholm): Not much of notes. Seductive nose with sweet red fruit. Good structure but soft and silky impression. Pure Merlot wine. Not as good as the 2018 tasted alongside but still very high level.
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9/16/2019 - DFBW Likes this wine: 93 Points
The early first bottle out of the case and this wine has not only got bags of potential but it actually drinking so well even at this early stage. Deep and dark with so much fruit going on - not overpowering at all. Drunk over 3 nights alongside a 2011 Feytit-Clinet which is also a 100% Merlot. Both were great for two days but this was still going strong on day 3 when the F-C had given up. Really looking forward to seeing this wine develop over the years.
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9/5/2019 - Cincinnatus Likes this wine: 94 Points
What a delightful wine this is. A strong, floral bouquet. Minerals, black fruit, and if a bouquet can be smooth, this one is smooth. We have been enjoying this wine for the last 4 hours and it just keeps getting better. Medium to full bodied, deep garnet color. A year after taking delivery it feels like an incredible bargain.
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6/23/2019 - Marquis du Vin Likes this wine: 95 Points
This is outstanding!!! I just got my allotment today and sipping one right now with Serano and Parma Reggiano Cheese.. I agree with PanosKakaviatos - very Angelus in character and taste! Great call on his behalf... This is a serious wine, and well worth $50... Drinking wonderfully now... I have '16s as well, but i will let them sit while I enjoy my cache of '15s...
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2/13/2019 - hondius Likes this wine: 94 Points
Quite the young merlot, for now wrapped in velvety pillows of rounded fruit ahead of maturity. The wine embeds a wonderful freshness leading to a distinct finish of mixed fruit and minerals reminiscent of limestone, silt, and oyster shells. The 94 score reflects my personal preference for this style. Attractive QPR.
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3/8/2018 - PanosKakaviatos Likes this wine: 94 Points
Better freshness coming out of Saint Emilion (Actually two locations: UGCB in New York (1/2018) and in Saint Emilion (12/2017)): Well, well, well. I like this just about as much as the Angélus. It seems to have a bit more freshness in its profile. Sure, it has 15% alcohol and with 100% Merlot, but the new oak is but 60%. While it lacks the depth and density of Angélus, it gains in terms of lift on the finish. Nice job.
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4/29/2016 - Jeff Leve wrote: 93 Points
The essence of a mineral-driven wine, with salty tannins, fresh, dark, plums, juicy, black cherry, anise and chocolate, this wine is silky, crisp and fresh. The wine was made from 100% Merlot.
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