Aromas of red berries, elegance to the fore. Very precise on the palate, with a lovely balance of ripeness and tannin structure. Tannins are still evident and will benefit from a few more years ageing. Undoubtedly a fine wine with long ageing potential. A very hot and dry summer, with just 120mm of rain in five months, making it the driest at Château Clarke since 1889. Rain in August saved the vintage, together with a cool September.

This estate has belonged to the Edmond de Rothschild family since 1973. From one of the top performing properties in Listrac, this wine is well proportioned, rich and dense. It has weight but its main thrust is elegance, with stylish black-currant fruit, acidity and a dry core from the wood aging. The wine will age well and should not be drunk before 2023.

(90 - 92) The 2015 Clarke has an attractive blackberry and briary scented nose with just a hint of dark chocolate emanating from the new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, the acidity nicely judged with fine tension on the cedar and tobacco-tinged finish. I appreciate the freshness and refinement demonstrated by this Château Clarke, a classic Listrac that should give 10-12 years of pleasure.- NM