2015 La Bastienne
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The 2015 La Bastienne shows much more finesse, especially in its tannins, than it did from barrel. Powerful and bold at the outset, it is also quite deep and persistent, all while retaining a midweight sense of structure. Hints of smoke, licorice, spice and dried herbs add complexity throughout. A dollop of Cabernet Franc rounds out the Merlot nicely.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Medium garnet-purple in color, the 2015 La Bastienne opens with a tilled soil, dried herbs and menthol nose with a core of red currants, plums and raspberry leaves. Medium-bodied and just a little lean in the mid-palate, it has a chewy backbone and herbal lift to the finish.
A big, virile wine, the 2015 La Bastienne possesses notable depth and personality. Graphite, smoke, super-ripe blueberries, crème de cassis and herbs are some of the notes that flesh out. The tannins are a bit burly, but this is otherwise a solid effort.