2015 Gracia

Michel Gracia waited until October 10 to start harvesting his vineyard in Saint-Émilion's Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes sector. A rich, textured wine, the 2015 Gracia presents an enticing mélange of ripe, jammy fruit, espresso, bittersweet chocolate, dark spices and torrefaction. Suggestions of lavender, mint, inky crème de cassis and cloves add nuance on the sumptuous finish. The 2015 is a powerful, extracted wine, with all the elements nicely balanced throughout. Gracia is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, done in 100% new oak. Jean Philippe Fort is the consulting winemaker. Tasted three times. Apr 2016, www.Vinous.com

The 2015 Gracia is a blend of 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was picked between 10-19 October. It is the first vintage to include a new parcel located in Saint Christophe-des-Bardes. It has a typically sweet and ripe blueberry and cassis-scented bouquet that is well defined and potent. The palate is ripe and rounded with cough candy-infused black fruit, grippy tannins but sufficient acidity and delineation on the finish to maintain freshness. With 6-8 years in the cellar, those tannin should soften and deliver a very fine Saint Emilion wine. Apr 2016, www.eRobertParker.com, Drink: 2023-2040

Blended of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged in 100% new French oak barrels for 15 to 20 months, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Gracia rocks up with an audacious nose of creme de cassis, chocolate box, blueberry compote and plum preserves with touches of charcuterie, scorched earth and yeast extract. Full-bodied, rich and firm in the mouth, its power wears a compellingly plush frame with a lively backbone and an epically long, savory and spice-laced finish. Feb 2018, www.robertparker.com