Chateau Picoron Les Terrasses 2014

This comes from the estate of Frank Kalyk and family, ex-pat Aussies who have taken over a Chateau in Sainte-Colombe. This wine was made before they arrived, but serves as a starting point of sorts. 100% Merlot.

2014 was a tricky year to get classic ripeness in Bordeaux (I know, I tasted an absolute shedload last year) and it shows here. There’s hints of capsicum and mint plus some riper fruits, all pointing to some mixed ripeness. In turn, the palate is long, but drying and astringent, the tannins faintly geen edged and the acidity high.

I didn’t enjoy this much, but the length is good (and we all need to start somewhere). Best drinking: 2019-2025. 15.5/20, 85/100. 14%, $35. Would I buy it? No.