2015 Rollan de By (Medoc) Cru Bourgeois

The 2015 Rolland de By has come together nicely since I tasted it from barrel. There is plenty of both depth and definition to the dark cherry, tobacco and grilled herb flavors. Pliant, supple and inviting, the 2015 will drink nicely for at least the next handful of years.

Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois annual tasting, the 2015 Rollan de By is more taciturn on the nose compared to the Greysac (also owned by Jean Guyon). The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, clean and fresh with tart red fruit mixed with soy and white pepper toward the composed finish. This is a fine Rollan de By, although I find more complexity within Jean Guyon's Greysac this year. Tasted September 2017.

70% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Coffee, chocolate, spice, plenty of fine chalky tannin on the palate that leaves a dry, lightly abrasive feel. Needs some age, because the richness of flavour deserves it. (RH)