Moving to the 2015s mostly tasted from bottle, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Louis Bernard is another well made, enjoyable effort. blackberries, peppery herbs, hints of charcuterie and spice give way to a medium to full-bodied, plump, delicious red to drink over the coming 3-5 years. The blend is 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, brought up all in concrete tanks.
Louis Bernard Reviews
A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the balance Mourvèdre, all from the la Crau lieu-dit, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Crau des Papes offers a more nuanced, layered style than the classic cuvée. Strawberries, leafy green herb, orange blossom and garrigue notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, silky red that has fine tannin and a great finish. It’s going to drink nicely through 2025.
The 2015 Gigondas was still aging in tank at the time of my tastings, yet it appears to be a charming, medium to full-bodied, nicely textured 2015 that has classic red and black fruits, leafy herbs and apple peppery spice aromas and flavors. It should end up being an outstanding wine.
The 2015 Côtes du Rhône Villages is an outstanding Southern Rhône that has loads of ripe strawberry and raspberry fruits, medium-bodied richness and a peppery, spicy style on the palate that makes it a joy to drink. It’s a terrific value to buy by the case and enjoy over the coming 2-3 years.
This is a plump, medium-bodied rosé, one that ably marries strawberry fruit with hints of cracked pepper and cinnamon. Best Buy. —J.C.
This Plump, succulent wine has enough cinnamon and peppery spice notes to maintain interest sip after sip.