Score: 92+/100
This left-bank (Médoc) Bordeaux wine by Pauillac winery Château Pédesclaux is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 47% Merlot, aged for 16 months in wine barrels (60% new of which were new ones).
2014 was a mixed-bag of a vintage. Starting rather rainy and relatively cold during spring and summer, it however turned out to benefit from one of the warmest month of September recorded in History. As Pédesclaux winery describes it “This Indian Summer allowed the berries to get more maturity and concentration, their volume declining up to 10% per week.”
Tasting Notes
This Médoc wine from the Bordeaux region comes in a very dense and dark red color, nearly black to the core (you almost can’t see through, so really rather dense), dark red to the rim.
The nose on this is very intense, peppery, spicy, and fruity.
Black and green pepper aromas are outstanding features here. It’s also meaty which nicely underlines the wine’s spiciness, like the smell of pepper goes so well with a steak’s!
Theirs is plenty of depth and complexity to the aromatic profile as well. Dark cherry and blackberry jam provide a tempting fruity base. While oaky notes of vanilla and toasted hazelnut, as well as some caramel amplify the yummy feel. Black olive, molasses, chili: there’s a lot to be discovered in this wine’s smell.
Despite this Grand Cru Classé’s young age, it has a very approachable feel to the palate. Super smooth tannins go well with the ripe fruit flavors and caramel tones that provide a slightly sweet sensation (although obviously this is a dry red wine).
The acidity is there, present and sufficient, but one can taste we are here with a wine made from very ripe grapes so its acidity is nothing quite outstanding, could be considered short for those who enjoy plenty of citric feel in their red.
Gorgeous ripe berry flavors are however, dancing with the peppery spiciness detected on the nose, for a powerful and rich tasting experience.
The finish displays plenty of vanilla and caramel flavors from oak that is well-rounded and integrated, but still tasting obvious in this 2-year-old Pauillac.
Overall
A luscious and delicious Bordeaux wine is this 2014 Château Pédesclaux, taking an approachable, smooth, flavorsome and rich approach to the style.
Red berry flavors and aromas, and outstanding pepperiness are the main features, well served by the sweetening and flavor-amplifying effect of quality oak textures and aromas.
When to Drink?
It’s fine and enjoyable to drink now, though this is still a baby of a great Bordeaux wine. Give it 5 to 20 years of ageing under good storage conditions to enjoy and unveil its full complexity potential.
Enjoy 🙂
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