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.

Wine

Andrew Graham
Almost 25 years ago I started working in a small bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. There, I met my first two loves - wine and craft beer, and they took over my life. Two decades later and I spend my days as a journalist, buyer, wine show judge, marketer and drinks industry consultant.

10 top Champagne from the Taste Champagne extravaganza

August 8, 2023

In Canberra for the best wine show of the year

March 30, 2023

The best Chardonnay made by a 12yo ever. Enter the Atkins-Davis Chardonnay

March 2, 2023

Chateau Picoron Les Terrasses 2014