2015 La Fleur de Bouard (Lalande-de-Pomerol)

The 2015 Fleur de Bouard has a powerful redcurrant, wild strawberry and almost, confit-like bouquet that manages to retain satisfactory delineation and freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy ripe tannin, layers of blackberry and blueberry fruit laced with white pepper and a touch of soy, leading to a structured finish. It will need 4-6 years in bottle for those tannins to soften and approach its drinking window. I would just like more joie-de-vivre - it seems too serious at this stage. 89-91 points

Rich and meaty aroma. Smooth, ripe constitution with a big depth of fruit on the palate. Tannins are firm but polished. Will represent good value. 90 points

Inky fragrance. Very round and syrupy on palate entry. Only just the right side of appetising. Dry finish. But all stops have been pulled out! Just a slightly hot end. 16 points

Made in comparatively large quantities, this is a very affordable and approachable red from Hubert de Boüard and his team. Elegant, balanced and deftly oaked with fine tannins and some grassy, graphite-like notes. Drink: 2020-26. 92 points

The 2015 La Fleur de Bouärd is dark, massively concentrated and unctuous. There is no shortage of depth, but the 2015 comes across as blowsy and lacking in focus at this stage. Blackberry jam, chocolate and smoke are pushed forward, but the wine never seems to come together. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 84-86 points