2015 Clos Saint-Julien

A blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot aged in 100% new oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Clos St Julien has a provocatively savory nose of smoked meats, roasted nuts and iron ore over a core of baked plums and dried mulberries with a cedary undercurrent. The medium-bodied palate is earthy with oak tannins that make it pretty chewy at this stage and a little hard on the finish.

Some meaty barrel-derived aromas with attractive spices across graphite and deep plum aromas. The palate has very attractive and appealing dark cherry flavors with plush, velvety tannins. Very long.

Represented by Jeffrey Davies Selections, the 2015 Clos Saint Julien is blockbuster stuff from a tiny vineyard owed by Catherine Papon-Nouvel, who’s also the owner and winemaker at Petit Gravet Aîné (and her 2015 from this estate is brilliant as well!). Made from equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, its deep ruby/plum color is followed by a terrific bouquet of red and black fruits, dried herbs, truffle, and dried flowers, with subtle background chocolatey oak. With full-bodied richness, an incredible texture, a stacked mid-palate, and a finish that won’t quit, this is one 2015 savvy readers should snatch up! It will benefit (if you can keep your hands off bottles) from 3-4 years of cellaring and knock your socks off over the following decade or more.