2015 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge, Pessac-Léognan

This was tasting great during en primeur, and is living up to its promise here, richly nuanced and layered, with hints of fern and blackberry leaf. It's perfectly ripe, but has little touches that hold it back from full exuberance and for me only add to its interest. Classic and yet with a kick, an ageable wine with firm tannins. 33% new oak. (JA)

Hedonistic and ripe nose - blackcurrants, strawberries and plums, with lots of floral fragrance, sticky black liquorice and tobacco. Sweet, succulent and juicy, so pleasing and easy to enjoy this from the first sip. Juicy but not too much, with a really mineral salty, liquorice and flint understone from the very beginning. Lean and straight, a lovely direction and persistence from start to finish. Tannins are firm, and filling, though this has an almost understated element to it, the 2015 isn't trying too hard, it's sleek and smooth. Tannins are perfectly integrated and this carries a lovely weight on the palate. Drinking so generously and so easy, more round and playful than the 2016 at this point. Bright, fresh, pure, gentle, charming, with great estate signature. 5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. (GH)