2015 Château Pape Clément

The 2015 Pape Clément is one of my favorite vintages from this decade in an era when they were producing full-throttle wines that could sometimes overwhelm. But this has a lovely, high-toned bouquet, with plush red fruit -tinged with cigar smoke and graphite. The palate is medium-bodied, fleshy and savory in style. I might deduce this to be a Pomerol, but it remains a more sophisticated Pape Clément that is drinking beautifully now and will age in bottle.

Fragrant turmeric and black pepper spice, dark and brambled fruit, this is pretty classic Pape Clement, intense and concentrated, ageing rather beautifully with a juicy signoff. Expect a 2015 with swagger and estate signature. Bernard Magrez owner, Michel Rolland consultant. Harvest September 25 to October 15.

Still young, with flexed tannins and plenty of blackcurrant, blackberry puree and damson fruits. A little subdued right now, with the tannins exerting a strong grip, but in another few years it will open back up to fully reveal the spicy cedar and eucalyptus notes thtat come through on the finish. Mouthwatering freshness on the finish, impressive in what was a sunny vintage in a warm spot of Bordeaux. Michel Rolland consultant. Harvest September 25 to October 15.