Buy 2 - French Neighbour Wine Soulmate 2

1. 2019 Chateau Pape Clement, JD 98

"As to the Grand Vin 2019 Château Pape Clement, it reveals a dense purple hue to go with stunning aromatics of crème de cassis, graphite, lead pencil shavings, scorched earth, and tobacco. Beautifully balanced, with flawless tannins, this full-bodied Pessac has that rare mix of elegance and power, a great mid-palate, and again, perfect balance. It's one of the gems of the vintage and has some accessibility today given its purity and balance, yet deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for 20-25 years or more in cold cellars. The blend is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, brought up in two-thirds new French oak. "

2. 2015 Chateau Pape Clement, JS 99

"The clarity to this wine is impressive. Wealth of dark-plum and black-fruit essence not to mention orange citrus. Everything is dialed up to the limit here but then dialed in on the palate. Such impressive depth and suave, ripe, fluid tannins that deliver impressive length. Great wine. Such polish. Superb. Try from 2022."

3. 2015 Chateau Leoville Poyferre, JD 97

"The 2015 Leoville Poyferre is cut from the same cloth as the 2016, yet is more sexy, rounded and opulent. Notes of cassis, licorice, crushed rocks, lead pencil shavings and graphite all emerge from this unctuous, ripe, pedal-to-the-metal beauty that's absolutely loaded with fruit and texture. Reminding me of the 2003, yet only fresher, don't miss this beauty. It should be drinkable in 3-4 years and last for 3-4 decades."

4. 2014 Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Vinous 95

"Deep, bright colour. The nose is subtle and complex. It reveals notes of red fruit, spices, and liquorice upon swirling. The palate is fresh and intense. It is fruity and fleshy on the palate. The finish is supported by fine, racy tannins that are long and integrated, and beautiful volume in the mouth. 2014, a harmonious vintage."

5. 2012 Pontet-Canet, Pauillac, WA 93

"The wine has a deep, glittering hue and a complex nose on which black fruit aromas mingle with graphite and spice notes. The structure on the palate is particularly dense and long, with chiselled tannins of incredible precision. A 2012 of remarkable purity and energy, with fantastic fruit and radiance that take it to the peak. For the first time, Pontet-Canet matured nearly a third of the vintage in concrete amphoras."

6. 2005 Chateau Leoville Barton, WE 97

"Power and elegance merge effortlessly in this superb wine. Its pure black currant fruit is tightly coiled, supported by just the right amount of firm tannins. Great aging potential. A triumph. *Best of Year 2008, Cellar Selection* (RV)"