La Cabanne 2015 (750ML)

"92-94 Points, Neal Martin, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: ""The 2015 La Cabanne is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Proprietor François Estager told me that this was the first vintage were he has not used any sulfur (one of a few that are moving in that direction). Tasted on three occasions, the nose is offers brambly black fruit mixed with wild hedgerow and cold stone, certainly more sophisticated than recent vintages, with impressive purity. The palate is built upon fine grain tannin, well-judged acidity, and is nicely proportioned with the fruit, given lift by the new oak on the finish. I suspect that the aromatics were just having an off day; given the performance of the palate and knowing how fine this Pomerol can be, it should turn into a delicious, perhaps relatively approachable Pomerol that will give a couple decades of pleasure."" 4/16 #224"

The 2015 La Cabanne has a lifted, straightforward bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry, cedar and clove scents that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity, slightly lactic at first, although I suspect that will disappear with bottle age and more structure and complexity will develop. It does not quite match the potential that it showed from barrel, but I strongly suspect that it will meliorate with bottle age, hence the plus sign next to my score. Anticipated maturity: 2022 - 2037.

95 Points, James Suckling: "A dense and rich red with ripe fruit and plenty of muscles. Full body, round and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Enjoy the berry, orange peel and cedar undertones in the wine. Best ever? Needs at least four or five years to come together." 2/18