What is Best First Growth in 2015 Bordeaux?

First growths are always one of the highlights when tasting a new vintage from barrel in Bordeaux. They are like the favorites in a horse race or pole position cars in an F1 competition. It’s always interesting to see who comes out first. 

In 2015, I don’t think that many are going to disagree that Château Margaux is the top first growth. It shows amazing depth of fruit and powerful tannin structure. Its finish is literally endless. This makes sense as the Margaux appellation in the Médoc is clearly the strongest. In fact, I like it even better than Pessac-Léognan.

The wines of the region of Margaux may be the best ever made in modern times. I tasted more than three dozen barrel samples from estates and they are stupendous. Wineries in districts north of Margaux also made excellent wines but they had to contend with heavy rains just before the harvest and at the end. The châteaux with the best soils, excellent drainage and the highest level of viticulture and winemaking expertise also made superb wines in 2015.

I will post more tasting notes tomorrow with the first growths and also include such amazing wines as Palmer, Lafleur, Pétrus, Cheval Blanc and others.

Here is my ranking of the first growths: 

Photos from top to bottom: Château Margaux 2015; Tasting at Château Lafite Rothschild; Jean-Philippe Delmas, winemaker of Château La Mission Haut-Brion, Château Haut-Brion and Château Quintus; Philippe Dhalluin, technical director at Château Mouton Rothschild; Tasting at Château Latour 

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