Clarendelle Saint Emilion 2015
(Bordeaux, France) - [JS 91]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Thanks to the level of precipitation being much lower than the sixty-year average, the 2015 vintage will long be remembered as one of the greatest Bordeaux vintages. The very dry spring was propitious to excellent flowering which was both quick and even. After an equally dry start to summer, a very wet day on the 26th of July gave a new impetus to the young Merlot vines and enabled veraison, or colour change, to take place unhindered. August was hot and rainy - which all Bordeaux wine growers had been hoping for! The wet weather enabled the vines to maintain the necessary water reserve in order to provide requisite nourishment for perfect ripeness. The harvest began in September under clear blue skies. Thanks to this ideal weather, the pickers were able to wait to harvest the grapes at optimum ripeness. The unusual weather resulted in a high-quality vintage that is well-balanced, delicious, and elegant.

Tasting notes

Deep garnet-red colour. These delicious and harmonious wines reflect the sunny growing season. Ripe fruit flavours of cherries, prunes, and figs predominate followed by a wide range of floral aromas, with subtle hints of forest floor. The initial impression on the palate is round and fruity with spicy notes and cocoa aromas. Fine, elegant tannins make for an instantly pleasurable wine. 2015 is undoubtedly a delicious vintage!

Grape varieties: 85% MERLOT and 15% CABERNET FRANC

Ratings & Reviews

91 Points - James Suckling:
"Very aromatic with tea, wet earth and berries on the nose that follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a bright finish. Structured for the wine. Better in 2019." - (2 Feb, 2018)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Deep garnet-purple colored, the Clarendelle 2015 Saint Emilion features notes of crushed blackberries and blueberries with hints of cinnamon stick, violets and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, finely crafted and refreshing in the mouth, it has a plush texture and lovely freshness, finishing on an earthy note." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (21st Feb 2018)

Jeb Dunnuck:
"A step up, the 2015 Clarendelle Saint-Emilion offers more plum and currant fruit as well as a rounded, sexy style on the palate. With plenty of mid-palate depth, no hard edges, and a charming, balanced profile, it’s well worth drinking over the coming 5-6 years. " - Jeb Dunnuck (11/30/2017)

Vinous Media:
"The 2015 Clarendelle Saint-Emilion offers lovely character and definition, especially at this level. Succulent red cherry, red plum, licorice and new leather add nuance to this silky, plump Saint-Emilion. Floral notes add a lovely sense of aromatic lift. Drink it over the next few years. " Antonio Galloni - (Feb 2018)