Château Couhins 2015

Combines elegance, fruitiness and freshness, with silky tannins and perfectly judged oak – great fun!

I have been regularly impressed with the wines from this INRA-owned estate over the past few years, and this continues in that vein, although for me not quite as successful as the very best 2015 Pessacs. A rich, plummy purple color, not overblown but with presence. Cassis flavors predominate, with some black pepper spice notes. It’s a little tight right now, and really does need a few years to soften. 30% new oak.

Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with hints of dried flowers. Full-bodied, firm and juicy with lovely, ripe tannins, tangy acidity and fruit. Shows focus and drive. Good energy. Drink in 2021.

Medium-bodied, this is already showing accents of truffle, tobacco and dark red berries. The wine is round, fresh and sweet. In the end note, the black cherry and cassis are ripe, round and lush, leaving you with a touch of tobacco in the finish.

Dark ruby, with purple reflections, and a subtle bright rim. On the nose a nougat touch, black cherry, with delicate balsamic nuances, and a hint of leather, a savoury bouquet. Complex on the palate, chocolaty, ripe plum, round supporting tannins, with some minerality and elegance. It has length, and it has certain ageing potential.

Deep purple, dense at the core, with garnet glints at the rim. Floral bouquet, surprisingly cool, even leafy in character, tobacco leaf, showing some plum contours in the background. On the palate it is slightly more appealing, but it has fuzzy edges and a mealy texture. A cold Couhins that, in my view, has not made the most of its vintage’s potential.

(38% Merlot, 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, production 60,000 bottles) Floral, slender bouquet, red cherries, raspberries, vanilla, freshly cut wood. Silky, light palate with sweet fruit, fine sandy tannins, fragrant aromatics, light, drying finish. 16/20 2019 - 2030

Solid and structured, it shows a beautiful integration of the tannins.

Medium garnet red. Pleasant bouquet revealing notes of chocolate and blackberry. With aeration, I also detect notes of red berries. Fruity, moreish attack. On the palate, the body is medium in intensity and slightly creamy. The tannins are round, well integrated, and the structure supports the fruit. A wine that can already be enjoyed in its youth. Pleasant freshness.

Dark, intense, purple color. Fruity, pure, and creamy nose. Juicy, flavorful, supple, and even fragrant palate, with average length.

This is a fruity wine with lovely acidity and a firm background of tannins. The black-currant and berry flavors are up front, giving delicious acidity and a crisp aftertaste. Drink this fruity wine from 2023.