Chateau Marquis d'Alesme 2015

A touch tight, this will flesh out further with time in bottle — give it five to eight years before opening. The gorgeous violet edges bode well for the integrity and potential of the fruit. It has depth and great texture teased out by winemaker Marjolaine Maurice de Coninck, with silky tannins and a kick of spice from the 3% dash of Petit Verdot. 65% new oak, malolactic in barrel. Michel Rolland oenologist.

Intense black cherry, blackberry, new leather, espresso and torrefaction flavors give the 2015 Marquis d'Alesme much of its sumptuous, flamboyant personality. Plush, modern and exotic in both its concentration and flavor profile, Marquis d'Alesme presents the more extroverted side of Margaux. All the elements are wonderfully fused together in a deep, expressive wine that will drink well for many years to come. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

Coming along nicely, the wine is already softening, filling out, and adding layers of complexity. Rich, full-bodied, lush, silky, and fresh, the layers of deep black and red fruits feel great on your palate and in the long, showy finish. This is developing in all the right ways. Drink from 2025-2045.

Deep ruby with purple reflections and discreet rim brightening. Discreet herbal savouriness, with dark forest berry fruit and tobacco nuances. Sweet and elegant, juicy texture, integrated tannins, ripe cherry fruit, mineral and lasting, very good ageing potential.

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Compact, concentrated bouquet with notes of morello cherry and cassis. Dense, assertive palate with gripping tannins that are still somewhat rough, giving this wine a certain hardness. As with its 2014 predecessor, one would wish for considerably more charm for a great Margaux here. Rounded potential score:

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Compact, concentrated bouquet with notes of wild cherry and cassis. Dense, assertive palate, demanding tannins that are still slightly abrasive, giving this wine a certain hardness. As with its predecessor (2014), one would wish for considerably more charm for a great Margaux. Rounded potential rating:

The exuberance and depth of 2015 are found in abundance here, with red and black fruits, touches of fig and pomegranate, velvety and supple in texture. Firm but fine slate tannins, and lots of them, suggesting this will age well. It’s balanced, super enjoyable with plenty of grip. Harvest from September 28 to October 15. Marjolaine de Coninck, technical director and CEO, owner Nathalie Perrodo.

It’s massive and intense, with substantial body and clear potential. It will need time.

The color is very dark, almost black. Beautiful smoky nose with cassis. The wine is dense, tight, long, with a beautiful, dense mid-palate, blueberry and smoky notes, splendid, fine tannins, and a finish with a hint of vegetal character, yet with great length. 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged in 65% new oak. Marquis d’Alesme 2015 is the greatest wine produced in ages.

88–90. Barrel Sample. Light and fruity in character, this is a crisp wine that is likely to develop quickly. It has plenty of black currant character, but lacks a firmer structure to support the fruit.