2015 La Fleur Peyrabon

The 2015 La Fleur Peyrabon has an attractive bouquet, quite a lot of new oak, but there is decent plump red berry fruit underneath to support that. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red fruit, svelte in texture with a fine bead of acidity, a subtle savory note on the finish. Though the new oak is heavy compared to others, hopefully it will be absorbed during bottle age, and this might turn into a “useful” and (to use an oxymoron) “affordable Pauillac”.

This has a lightness of touch with good, flexible tannins and a well-judged level of extraction, giving presence and impact on the palate without feeling heavy. They’re not aiming for high drama but for drinkability, still with plenty of Pauillac seriousness and a lovely shower of fresh mint on the finish. Good quality. 50% new oak.

Light in color and on the palate, this wine is simple with a forward, red berry flair coursing right down the middle. 84 - 86 pts