2015 Nicolas Thienpont Closerie de Bories Francs Cotes de Bordeaux MAGNUM

92 points from Wine Enthusiast. “The second wine from this leading estate in Francs, this is big, bold and very ripe. Its tannins and integrated black fruits are warm and rounded, with a core of dryness that will allow the rich wine to age more. Drink from 2020.” Roger Voss. This wine comes from the famous Thienpont family (mentioned above with Chateau Alcée) and the Chateau Peyguerard estate atop the limestone plateau of the Cotes de Bordeaux, about 15 km east of St. Emilion. It’s mostly merlot with franc and a little malbec, all replanted in the 70’s so now of a venerable mature age. Interestingly vinification is done initially  with uncrushed berries, then the wine is aged in a mix of vats and barrels for 12 months.

2015 was a very fine vintage and this wine in magnums is as fresh as a daisy and ready to be the party starter or opened for a big roast.