Mixed Case: Bordeaux Values of 2015

In his coverage for Vinous of Bordeaux's "fabulous" 2015 vintage , Antonio Galloni writes, “As tempting as it is to focus on the most famous names, the real joy in 2015 is in the mid and lower-tier, where the best wines are gorgeous and also remain affordable for mere mortals.” Left Bank and Right, from the Haut-Médoc to Pauillac, Fronsac to Saint-Émilion, here is a mixed case of top 2015 Bordeaux wines that won't break the bank.

Château Tour Perey

Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
8.9

The 2015 Tour Perey is bright and nicely lifted, most likely from the presence of Malbec in the blend. Sweet red plum, mint, spice, chocolate and licorice are generously doled out in a plump, giving Saint-Émilion that will drink well with minimal cellaring. I would like to see the oak a bit better integrated, but the 2015 is nevertheless quite delicious. Tour Perey is 85% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc, done partly in larger 400-liter barrels. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

Haut-Carles

Grand Vin de Bordeaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
9.0

The 2015 Haut-Carles is plump, juicy and delicious. Inky blue/purplish fruit, lavender, chocolate, spice and licorice are front and center. Even with all of its intensity and raciness, the 2015 has quite a bit of supporting structure to balance things out. I would give it another year or so in bottle to allow the tannins to soften a bit further. Tasted two times. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

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Château Sociando-Mallet

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
9.0

One of the standouts of the vintage, the 2015 Sociando Mallet is all finesse. Light on its feet, gracious and super-expressive, the 2015 speaks to class above all else. The flavors are bright and beautifully lifted in this polished, sophisticated Haut-Médoc. Although a touch light, the 2015 is very pretty. The blend is 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

Château d'Arsac

Cru Bourgeois Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
9.0

A major sleeper in this vintage, the 2015 d'Arsac is superb. Hints to savory herb, flowers tobacco and mint meld into a core of sumptuous dark red fruit. This bold Margaux Cru Bourgeois is a serious overachiever and flat out delicious. The 2015 is 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

Raun Kupiec

Raun Kupiec

Just opened a bottle and the label on the back says 72% Cab Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Just sayin’…

Château Belle-Vue

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
9.1

The 2015 Belle-Vue is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Black cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, spice and grilled herbs abound in a flavorful, intense red that hits all the right notes. This is a beautifully balanced, sumptuous, stylish Haut-Médoc. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

Château La Vieille Cure

Fronsac Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
9.2

The 2015 La Vieille Cure is superb. Ample and explosive on the palate, with tremendous depth, the 2015 is an arrestingly beautiful wine that never lets up. Red cherry jam, licorice, new leather, blood orange and spice all infuse this flamboyant, spectacularly rich Fronsac. What a wine! (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

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Château Pezat

Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
8.9

The 2015 Pezat Red, Jonathan Maltus's entry-level red, is flat-out delicious. Sweet red cherry and plum fruit are front and center in this racy, open-knit wine. There is much to like, including the wine's very accessible price. I would prefer to drink this succulent Saint-Émilion over the next few years, while the fruit retains its youthful vibrancy. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

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Château Reynon

Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
8.9

The 2015 Reynon is gorgeous. Attractive floral notes add perfume to a core of racy red cherry and plum fruit in this soft, open-knit Merlot-based wine from the late Denis Dubourdieu. Plush and caressing on the palate, with silky tannins, Reynon is a winner in 2015. The blend is 81% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't miss it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

Château Charmail

Haut-Médoc Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
9.0

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2015 Charmail has turned out beautifully. The interplay of intense dark fruit and savory notes yields an expressive Haut-Médoc of character and distinction. Best of all, the 2015 is a superb value. The blend is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 13% Petit Verdot. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

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Château Tour Saint-Christophe

Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2015

Delectable Wine
9.3

The 2015 Tour Saint Christophe was impressive from barrel and is equally impressive from bottle. Red cherry/raspberry jam, exotic spice and floral notes fill out in a sumptuous, racy Saint-Émilion loaded with personality. Even with all of its overtness, the 2015 retains a good bit of freshness as well. This is a fabulous showing from a property that continues to improve under the stewardship of owner Peter Kwok and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018) — 6 years ago

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