2015 Château Beychevelle, St Julien, Bordeaux

Philippe Blanc was on top form when we visited him to taste his 2015. This estate seems to improve with every year that we visit and the initial sweetness on the palate here is terrific. The round, plump, fleshy feel of 47 percent Merlot is certainly evident and there is plenty of crunchy bright fruit here.

The wine is really fresh, inviting, sumptuous. Balanced and rewarding, the wine has a clear structure, with fine integration of vanilla spice, cassis fruit and silky tannin. A bit broody, the wine will benefit ageing.

Blend: 47% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot