Wine Along The 101
  • Home
  • Articles
    • 2023 Articles >
      • Robert Hall Winery, Evolving Their Wines Toward a Regenerative Future
      • Great Wine Is Headed Your Way, the Spring Portfolio Tasting of Golden State Wine Co Reveals Many Treasures
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • La Rioja Alta, S.A. Viña Ardanza Reserva 2016, An Elegant Vintage for an Iconic Wine
    • ETTORE Wines from Mendocino, With An Organic Focus
    • Two Excellent Value Broquel Label Wines From Argentina’s Trapiche Winery
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
Picture
Julien Barthe of Château Beau-Séjour Bécot pours his hedonistic Saint-Emilion Grand Cru at the UGCB tasting in Beverly Hills
It was a very good year, 2015 in Bordeaux, whose youthful wines are now displaying exuberant fruit, a riper essence yet not hot with alcohol, fresh and dynamic, with a harmonious framework of silky texture, power, and concentration.  When you taste the promise of Bordeaux, and realize that it’s full potential is still years away, it’s a reminder how complex and breathtaking these wines are, and here’s why.
Picture
Courtesy of Discover France
Picture
Courtesy of Saint-Emilion Tourism
Picture
Courtesy of Escapism Magazine
Once upon a time, in a land across the sea, carved by ancient glaciers, caressed by rivers, and fanned by Atlantic breezes, vineyards arose from the fractured bedrock, and condensed into the enigma of Bordeaux wine legend.  Vintage dependent, reflective of soils, shaped by history, and expressive of climate, Bordeaux wines encompass a sense of “somewhereness”, what the French so aptly call ”terroir”.  It’s difficult for the novice to wrap themselves around the intricacies of this region, the varietals, the properties, the classification systems, and oh, the prices!  Usually, Bordeaux’s elite grand crus require a decade to be approachable, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon dominant ones from the Left Bank.  Yet vintage can be the most crucial factor, with consistent weather the deciding factor in a Goldilocks palate, separating superb from just OK.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Julien Barthe of Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
Picture
Vintage 2015 started as a perfect growing season, then experienced a hiccup in mid-summer, when heat and drought stressed the vines, which were rescued with heavy rains in August.  This pickup in rainfall late season would lead to different results in the wines produced, where the type of vineyard soils would dictate how good the wines could become.  Considered not superb but with excellent potential in some areas, 2015 might be the best year since 2010, except not as much power and structure.  The commune of Pessac-Leognan was a star with both its whites and reds.  The dry white wines are very good, riper yet still vibrant, elegant with good body; the sweet wines are enchanting, a bit more fat with a good balance of acidity.  The Merlot-based reds from Pomerol and Saint-Emilion are excellent, many containing the swoon factor, mouthfilling with ripe tannins, and depth of flavor.  The Left Bank reds are more approachable than in recent years, and quality varies according to the producer, yet they are still classically elegant.   Some of the top Châteaux always seem to make fine wines, despite Mother Nature, and these will be snapped up for the cellar.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
The 2018 Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux (UGCB) tasting, presented by Wally’s Wines, showcased top producers’ 2015 vintage wines at the  Beverly Hills Hotel, which are currently only available for futures purchase.  Here, you enter the rarefied air of classified Bordeaux, where knowledge is important and patience is key.  Often, these wines ideally need a decade before you can even pop a cork, and some won’t shine for many more years beyond that.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Fabien Teitgen, Director General of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, pours their stunning Bordeaux
Picture
Here are a few of my highlights of the tasting, with over a hundred producers in attendance, apologies to the many fine wines I did not get to sample.

​Dry Whites (Blanc):


Picture
Château de Chantegrive Blanc "Caroline" (Graves) - amazing, 50% Semillon and 50% Sauvignon Blanc, delicate aromatics of peach, citrus, white flowers, and beeswax, textured, fat and sassy, long finish
Picture
Château Pape Clément Blanc (Pessac-Leognan) - show stopper, 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, and 10% Sauvignon Gris, impressive in its pear and dried peach aromas, with a savory edge, palate has power, weight, and depth, laced with mineral notes and spice, a very big wine
Picture
Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (Pessac-Leognan) - a knockout,  90% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Semillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris, perfumed and rich, complex aromas of citrus and white peach, honeysuckle floral notes, and brioche and butter accents on the intensely long finish
Picture
Château Larrivet Haut-Brion Blanc (Pessac-Leognan) - so well balanced, 77% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon, and 3% Sauvignon Gris, exotic and ripe fruit along with vibrant acidity
Picture
Domaine de Chevalier Blanc (Pessac-Leognan) - round citrus with a touch of flint, 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, textured and vivid, powerful and long, a stunner
Picture
Château La Louvière Blanc (Pessac-Leognan) - complex bouquet of dried and candied fruit, 100% Sauvignon Blanc, lively and opulent
Reds (Rouge):
Picture
Château Pape Clément (Pessac-Leognan) - sexy and sumptuous, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, deep dark fruit, plum and cassis, richly textured with exotic spice, chocolate, and orange, dense and concentrated
Picture
Château Smith Haut Lafitte (Pessac-Leognan) - sensual and succulent, 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, ripe blueberry, blackberry, and plum, classic cedar and graphite notes, fresh and intense, lingering finish
Picture
Château Beau-Séjour Bécot (Saint Emilion) - spectacular, 80% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, rich dark cherry and plum, mocha, licorice, and violet floral accents, damp earth notes, full-bodied and polished with silky tannins, a finish that goes on forever
Picture
Château La Cabanne (Pomerol) - dense and rich, 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, pure black fruit, juicy tannins and nice acidity
Picture
Château Rauzan-Ségla (Margaux) - impressive, 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, intense, rich and powerful, deep black fruit, racy acidity and fine tannins, compelling with a very long finish
Picture
Château Léoville Poyferré (Saint-Julien) -  elegant and concentrated, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc, dense black fruit, layered with notes of graphite and spice, textured, robust finish
Picture
Château Beychevelle (Saint-Julien) - supple and structured, 47% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, well balanced with juicy fruit and acidity, pure and long on the palate
Picture
Château Branaire-Ducru (Saint-Julien) -  structured yet polished, 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc, ripe dark fruit, complex and elegant, supple tannins on long bright finish
Picture
Château Talbot (Saint-Julien) - powerful and structured, 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, restrained fruit and fine tannins make for a classic Bordeaux, needs aging
Picture
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande (Pauillac) - dazzling, 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, intense and vivid, complex in its dark fruit, spice, and graphite notes, textured and gorgeous
Sweet wines (Sauternes/Barsac):
Picture
Château Doisy Daëne - opulent and elegant, 93% Semillon and 7% Sauvignon Blanc, balanced with fresh acidity
Picture
Château Clos Haut-Peyraguey -  stunning and complex, 95% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc, elegant honeyed orange, apricot, and tropical fruit with spice, floral bouquet floats on extra long finish
Picture
Château LaFaurie-Peyraguey - perfumed and refined, 93% Semillon, 6% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle, complex palate of citrus, ginger, juniper and honey, incredible balance
Picture
Château Suduiraut - lush and concentrated, 94% Semillon and 6% Sauvignon Blanc, perfumed and rich, orange marmalade and apricot, mouthfilling finish
Picture
Château De Fargues - graceful yet powerful, 80% Semillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, nice balance of sweet and acidity
Picture
Yours truly, Patricia Decker, at the UGCB tasting tour in Beverly Hills
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Whipped up by its mystique, Bordeaux wine devotees have something to look forward to.  These Grand Vins of royalty, whose very bouquet transports you to a land steeped in lore, and where a sip of the red elixir is a communion of the highest order, offer great and good 2015 vintage wines, and although variable in their quality, wine critics agree that 2015 is the best year since 2009-10.