2015 Doisy-Vedrines (Barsac)

The 2015 Doisy-Vedrines has quite an intense nose, perhaps less fat and honeyed than recent vintages, more finesse if not quite capturing the same level of details as the Doisy-Daëne this year. The palate is very promising with layers of honeyed fruit tinged with white chocolate and almond, a lovely swagger about this Doisy-Vedrines that reminds me of great vintages such as 1989. Always well priced, you won`t harm your cellar with a case of Olivier Castèja`s sumptuous Barsac. 93-95 points

Reticent aromas of sweet spices, mango and crystallised ginger emerge slowly with aeration. Rich, dense and tactile, with honeyed tropical fruit, lively lemon and spicy tangerine flavours. Some noble rot, but passerillage (dried grapes) present. From 35-year-old vines, and made with a rare 5% Muscadelle. 92 points

Deep gold. Broad pear-juice nose. Massive weight and some spice. Big and bold. Dramatic weight even if not the raciness of the other Doisy. Clear botrytis influence. 17.5 points