Château Simard 2014

Attractive cherry aromatics, smooth, juicy, approachable, less angular than the en primeur sample.

The 2014 Simard has a crisp, classic, chlorophyll-tinged bouquet with pretty dark berry fruit. There is a hint of cola that emerges with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, a little compact at the moment with tobacco lacing the red berry fruit on the slightly truncated finish. As I said during primeur: a little rustic, but that is part of the charm.

The nose is very fruity with hints of terracotta and flowers. Medium to full body, a solid core of fruit and a spicy finish. Exotic and beautiful. Drink now or hold.

80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 30% in barriques. Mid crimson. Sweet, heady and gamey with a streak of sucrose. Pretty strict tannins on the palate. More animal than any other St-Émilion I have tasted. (JR)

The 2014 Simard is pretty, bright and nuanced. Sweet red cherry, raspberry and floral notes are nicely pushed forward in this delicate, gracious, mid-weight Saint-Émilion. I would prefer to drink the 2014 sooner rather than later, while the fruit remains juicy and vibrant. Initially I thought the 2014 would firm up in bottle, but it has turned out to be a relatively soft, open-knit wine. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

Licorice, plum and chocolate on the nose; soft, medium-bodied and easy-drinking, with a sweet red-berry finish. Blending 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc, this wine is aging in French oak barrels, 30% new. 86-88 pts

Deep purple, dense at the core, with garnet highlights at the rim. Shows plenty of drive on the initial nose, revealing a cool, fruity note. On the palate, the wine surprises with abundant aromatics and ripe tannins. Very well made. This will be great fun.

Peppery, herbal, dry bouquet, blue berries, wood. Medium-bodied, firm palate with moderate aromatics, sandy tannins, firm structure, dry finish. 16/20 2019 - 2028

Round, elegant, with supple, fine tannins and a lovely, delicate tension.

Crafted by the Vauthiers of Château Ausone, the nose is very chocolatey. The palate is supple, charming, very chocolatey, with spices, and fairly light. A wine to enjoy on its fruit without rushing. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. 40 hl/ha, 30% in barrel.

Garnet red with subtle purple highlights. Bouquet of good intensity, with a youthful character. Notes of wild berries and spices. Precise, fruity attack, slightly indulgent. Lots of freshness. The body is juicy, with fairly tight tannins on the finish. They are in harmony with the structure, which supports the fruit well.

Bright, dark and intense red color. Fruity, subtle nose. Very aromatic, tasty palate with flavor and a medium body.

87–89. Barrel Sample. Lovely fruit tones and attractive acidity give this accessible wine freshness and a light touch for drinking soon.