2015 Lalande Borie

The 2015 Lalande-Borie is gracious, understated and classy. There is lovely aromatic lift to perk up the dark red and purplish berry flavors. Silky, medium in body and gracious, Lalande-Borie shows the more feminine side of Saint-Julien to great effect. The blend is 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. I would prefer to drink the 2015 over the next handful of years.

The 2015 Château Lalande-Borie is more perfumed and extroverted compared to the 2016 and gives up lots of ripe black cherry and strawberry fruit characteristics as well as more graphite, spring flowers, earthy minerality and toasted oak. Textured, medium-bodied, elegant and seamless on the palate, it shines more for its elegance and nuance than power. Drink it anytime over the coming 15-20 years.

55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon. pH 3.8.'I think this year we have finally found a style for this wine', says Bruno Borie. 'Fresh nights in June and July protected us in summer.' Mid crimson, even a little light. Very sweet and perfumed. Floral. Light and lacy. A little too sweet for my taste. (JR)