2015 Château de la Riviere Estelle

The Fronsac appellation produced a bevy of brilliant wines in 2015 and the 2015 Château De La Riviere is a prime example of the quality coming from the appellation. Made from mostly Merlot (there’s some Cabernet Franc and Malbec) aged in one-third new 600-liter barrels, it gives up terrific notes of black cherries, roasted herbs, and spices. Ripe, pure and elegant, yet just packed with fruit, drink this undeniably sexy, opulent 2015 anytime over the coming 10-15 years.

Some rather odd wood notes. Mouth-filling slightly rude fruit. This wine sprawls a bit and could perhaps do with a little more rigour. Solid. (JR)

The 2015 Château de la Rivière has a placid and harmonious bouquet with gentle blackcurrant and briary scents. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin and plenty of vivacious red berry fruit. Great energy here, fine delineation in the finish - this is one of the best wines from this Fronsac estate that I have tasted.