2015 Domaine du Bouscat Caduce

The 2015 Caduce is plump, juicy and forward, all qualities that are best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Ripe red cherry, plum, spice and new leather are all nicely pushed forward in this attractive Merlot-based blend. The 2015 is 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc. Yields were just 30 hectoliters per hectare.

A shockingly good Bordeaux Superior is the 2015 Domaine du Bouscat Caduce which comes from an estate on the edge of the Fronsac appellation and is 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Brought up in 300-, 320- and 600-liter barrels, it sports a deep, inky color as well as unctuous notes of cassis, blackcurrants, chocolate, and hints of truffle. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy 2015 has sweet tannin and a forward, delicious style that will drink well for 10-12 years. This is another exclusive release from American Jeffry Davies that overdelivers.

The 2015 Caduce, the entry-level wine from Domaine du Bouscat, delivers serious quality for the money. Mocha, espresso, plum and dark red cherry are nicely delineated. Best of all, this juicy, succulent red should be a tremendous value. If I have a quibble here, it is that the flavors are a bit roasted, but that is a pretty small critique at this level. The 2015 is 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc. Yields were just 30 hectoliters per hectare and the wine is projected to spend 20 months in barrels from top-shelf coopers, so this is a highly ambitious wine.