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An Outstanding Bargain in Peak-Form 2015 Bordeaux - 08/03/2023 - Red Bordeaux

Stellar Bordeaux Value in Perfect Form
2015 Castera, Médoc ($18.99)
"A perfect five for value. So much wine fore such a low price."
— Clyde Beffa, K&L Bordeaux Buyer

We can think of few, if any, regions in the wine world where you can find so many exceptionally priced back-vintage QPR stars as in Bordeaux. Our inventory is chock full of superb overperformers in their peak drinking windows, many from truly outstanding vintages in the 20th century. The latest discovery on Bordeaux buyer Clyde Beffa's radar, the 2015 Castera Haut-Médoc stood tall against several wines at multiples of its sub-$20 price in a recent tasting. Showcasing all the unbridled charm of the 2015 vintage, it's firing on all cylinders with its Merlot-dominant profile offering loads of dark-fruited class and flair.

Castera Vineyards

2015 Castera, Médoc

2015 Castera, Médoc ($18.99)

Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Château Castera is a fine Médoc based on 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 30% new barrels. This silky, endearing, attractive red offers lots of raspberry fruits intermixed with notes of spice, crushed flowers and a hint of rose petal. Lightly textured and balanced, drink it over the coming 7-8 years." (11/2017)

Wine Advocate: "The 2015 Castera has a clean, focused and well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and undergrowth scents. I love the detail hereclassy. The palate is medium-bodied with blackcurrant and black plum notes, a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, good structure and quite a grippy finish. Give this a year in bottle and enjoy over several years. (NM)" (12/2017)

Wine Enthusiast: "Vineyards in the Press family's 450-acre estate surround one of the Médoc's grand chateaus owned by Bordeaux elite over centuries. The wine from 155 planted acres has been spiced with 12 months in wood, giving a toasty character to the juicy black-currant fruit. It is a structured wine, ripe and with good potential. (RV)" (04/2018)

Clyde Beffa Jr. | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 01, 2023

A perfect 5 for value. So much wine fore such a low price. The sweetness of the fine 2015 vintage shines through here. Lots of merlot in the blend so blackberries abound on the nose and palate. Not hard edges here. Drink it up now-it will go for several more years in the cellar. First time we have carried this property-it won't be the last. It stood up to several high priced California cabs in the tasting.The Perfect hamburger wine-or serve it at your next big party.