Chateau Clos Marsalette 2015

JAMES SUCKLING: "A full-bodied red with blackberries, chocolate, spices and earth. Soft and layered tannins. Flavorful finish. So juicy and beautiful. Drink in 2020."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, reife Herzkirschenfrucht, ein Hauch von Weichseln, zart nach Dörrobst, angenehme Kräuterwürze, kandierte Orangenzesten. Saftig, rotbeeriger Touch, präsente Tannine, würziger Nachhall, frisch strukturiert, feiner Schokotouch im Rückgeschmack."

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Intensives Bouquet mit einem Touch Amarenakirschen, dunkles Malz, aber auch Nuancen von einer gewissen Überreife im Ansatz. Im Gaumen Cassis und viel Lakritze, eine gewisse, noble Bitterkeit, die an einen kalten Schwarztee erinnert. Diese feine Bitterkeit muss er noch integrieren. Die Anlagen sind aber gut."

DECANTER: "This Neipperg-owned estate delivers softly brushed fruit, its power hitting through the mid-palate, mixed with tight vanillin-led oak that needs time to soften. This is very good. A tiny touch of brett on the initial attack, but it clears away."

JEB DUNNUCK: "As to the red, the 2015 Clos Marsalette is close to an even split of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 40% new barrels. This beauty offers excellent purity and freshness, as well as a sexy, supple, forward, fruit-loaded style that makes it a joy to drink. Black cherries, lavender, violets, and hints of bay leaf all emerge from the glass, and despite its upfront sex appeal, it’s going to keep for a decade."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Smoke, coffee bean, cigar box and dark, red fruits shape a silky, polished, sweet, fresh, tobacco-singed wine with real character and selling for a song. There is no better wine for the money today in Pessac Leognan than Clos Marsalette."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Fresh, ripe and polished, featuring cassis and plum fruit flowing through over a bright mineral edge. Light sanguine and violet notes gild the finish, with the fruit lingering prettily. Very pure. Drink now through 2027. 5,250 cases made. — JM"