The 2015 Gracia Bordeaux Blend from Saint Emilion, France is a wine of exceptional quality and elegance. This red wine is made from a blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a complex and well-balanced flavor profile.
Upon pouring, the wine displays a deep garnet-purple color, enticing the senses with its vibrant hue. The nose is immediately greeted with a burst of spiced blueberries and fresh violets, creating a very expressive and invigorating aroma. As the wine opens up, additional notes of licorice, plums, cassis, and toasty oak emerge, adding layers of complexity.
On the palate, the 2015 Gracia showcases immense concentration and ripeness. The flavors of ripe dark plums and black cherries dominate, creating a luscious and velvety mouthfeel. The oak integration is seamless, providing structure and depth without overpowering the fruit. The wine's richness and depth are perfectly balanced by its phenomenal elegance and weightlessness, making it a true standout.
This wine has received high praise from esteemed critics. Jeff Leve awarded it an impressive 96 points, describing it as a "graceful goddess of a wine" with fleshy blackberries, licorice, and plums. Jeb Dunnuck also gave it a remarkable score of 97, highlighting its richness, complexity, and incredible sex appeal. James Suckling praised its fresh and expressive nose, immense concentration, and regal finish, awarding it another 97 points. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, writing for Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, awarded it 95 points, emphasizing its audacious nose, plush frame, and epically long finish.
Overall, the 2015 Gracia Bordeaux Blend is a wine of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It embodies the best qualities of Saint Emilion, showcasing elegance, complexity, and a true expression of its terroir. This wine is a must-try for any wine enthusiast and will undoubtedly age beautifully for years to come.