Chateau Haut-Beychevelle Gloria 2015

This five hectare vineyard in Saint-Julien is the original family property of the owners of Châteaux Saint-Pierre and Gloria and others. Henri Martin, one time manager at Ch Latour, acquired grew up and started his wine education here. It's planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc on the gravel soils with clay/sand subsoil that makes St Julien so attractive.  Careful harvest and sorting followed by 12 months in French oak (33% new) brings out the very best of the site.

This very young and impressive 2015 needs an hour in decanter now (or cellar 3 years and drink through 2030). But the nose already shows ripe cassis and black cherry fruit with accents of cedar, tobacco and more. The youthfully firm tannins are ripe and detailed, and layers of currant and cherry fruit linger with tobacco and cedar on the long, mouthwatering, finish. Very high value here.