Château Luchey-Halde, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, 2015

Mid-weight plum fruit and violet hints. Dominant oak now but will soften. Promising fruit, tannins and acidity all in balance. The two Cabernets, plus Merlot and Petit Verdot, aged in 50% new oak. A good-value pick.

What is striking in this vertical is that the wines are very clean, with well-expressed clear fruit that really suggests that the winemaking is meticulous and can be trusted to develop well. Again the Petit Verdot is really pulling its weight, and this is cigar box, cardamom and cinnamon. Speaks to the warmth of the year (remember this is an estate that is located close to the city centre in Mérignac) but it holds freshness. A serious wine, well made, with great balance - a definite hidden gem of the vintage, showing that this estate should be better known. Cabernet Franc completes the blend (5% planted).