Dominik Mueller

February finally brought sunny weather with refreshing temperatures. After dedicating January to white wine, more specifically Aligoté, I am now looking at a stronghold of red wine, namely Bordeaux, in this little 'triell'. Bordeaux ten years later, we are looking at the 2015 vintage. The somewhat more 'modern' Bordeaux was already emerging, even if the post-Parker era still persisted at many wineries, as reflected in long hanging times for the grapes, high extraction and full-bodied red wines. Let's dive in.

The 2015 vintage in Bordeaux

A very good vintage, even if not at the high level of 2010, 2009, 2005 or 2000. A little more generous at this stage and perhaps accessible earlier than 2014 and 2016. The right bank is proving to be particularly good, although of course very good wines were also produced on the left bank in Margaux, Pessac-Léognan and Pauillac. The big names can still last a long time, while other wines prove to be open for business already.

2015 Château d'Aiguilhe

Powerful and expressive, as is the house style chez d'Aiguilhe. Some extraction as evidenced by the coloured streaks in the glass. Intense ripe fruit aromas of slightly cooked red plum, prune, strawberry, and raspberry. New oak, smoke, vanilla. Equally full-bodied on the palate with intense ripe fruit again. Not very structured, but powerful and hedonistic in its fruit profile. Will last longer in theory, but there's not really a point in waiting. Open now.

2015 Château Le Reysse

This is an impressive wine, in my book. From Cabernet Sauvignon vines more than 50 years old. The small Cabernet Franc holdings of Le Reysse are even more than a century old, having been planted in 1919! Typical left-bank Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of blackcurrant, featuring very prominently indeed, as well as cherry and eucalyptus. The secondary aromas are integrated very well. A well-made wine without a doubt. The taste pretty much confirms the aromas from the bouquet, though there is an additional kirsch-like flavour that I didn't like so much, but that's whining at a high level. Especially when taking the comparatively attractive price tag into account. Still an insider tip.

2015 Château d'Armailhac

The most structured and elegant of the three wines. Less intense on first impression, but with impeccable depth of aromas. Layered and complex. Well-structured. My note reads cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, bell pepper. With roasted coffee beans and menthol. The d'Armailhac has a firm core and is more about refinement than showmanship. With this one I would wait just a little longer before opening another bottle as it might just be coming out of its closure phase. Drink from 2027 onwards is my guess today.

Enjoying the weather in February - I like the countryside!