2015 Badette

The 2015 Badette, which was bottled in May 2017, has a very pure bouquet with layers of blueberry, blackcurrant pastille, violets and minerals that is nigh irresistible. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, enormous concentration and yet it carries that with style and just as I discerned in barrel, delivers the freshness and mineralité that you would assign to a more classically styled wine. Factor in the long spicy aftertaste and you have yourself a Saint-Émilion that punches well above its weight.

A blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months, the 2015 Badette is deep garnet-purple in color with pronounced baked plums, creme de cassis and chocolate-covered cherries on the nose plus black truffles, rose hip tea and spice box nuances. Full-bodied, rich and opulent, hitting the palate with a powerful and compelling wall of black and blue fruits plus oodles of spicy accents, it has gorgeous, velvety tannins and fantastic length.

The 2015 Badette is laced with black cherry, chocolate, leather, smoke, licorice and spice notes. Pliant, supple and inviting, it exudes depth. Time in barrel has softened the tannins and given the Badette a level of balance it did not show en primeur , and yet there plenty of structure to support the rich, dense fruit. Tasted two times.