2015 Château Haut-Brisson

The sumptuous, racy 2015 Haut-Brisson has turned out beautifully. Super-ripe dark cherry, mocha, espresso, licorice, exotic spice and new leather meld together in this effortless, beautifully resonant Saint-Émilion. Readers should expect a bold, full-throttle style. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

Aged for 16 months in barrels, 35% new, the 2015 Haut Brisson is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with savory smoked meats, sauteed herbs and dusty soil scents plus touches of cedar chest and iron ore over a core of black cherries, red currants and warm plums. The medium-bodied palate is firm and crunchy with a chewy backbone, finishing with great freshness and length.

Made by Jérôme Aguirre, who previously worked at Christine Péré-Vergé's vineyards in Pomerol, utilizing Michel Rolland as a consultant, the 2015 Château Haut-Brisson is a gem based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 35% new French oak. This medium to full-bodied, concentrated, intellectual 2015 offers a lifted, perfumed style in its cassis and assorted black/blue fruits, dried violets, Asian spice, and earthy, gravely, mineral-nuances. With solid mid-palate depth, a light, graceful texture, fine tannin and impressive length, I’d give bottle 4-5 years of cellaring and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. It’s a beautiful wine. Tasted twice.