Château Chauvin 2014

The 2014 Chauvin has a broody bouquet, taciturn at first but gradually unfurling to reveal brambly red berry fruit mixed with cedar and soy, with a touch of volatility emerging over time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that lend it approachability. There is a keen thread of acidity, though the finish just seems to lack detail and nuance, especially compared to the imminent and, I suspect, superior 2015 Chauvin.

This has a good fleshy feel, delivering a direct beam of lightly steeped plum and blackberry fruit notes inlaid with dried anise and singed apple wood flavors on the finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.

A clear distinction from the second wine in this vintage—not surprising perhaps, as this is the first vintage under Sylvie Cazes, and it was only with this vintage that a second wine was introduced, following stricter selection for the grand vin. There is perhaps less of the recognisable Chauvin style that you find today, but this is an excellent wine, enjoyable and already significantly richer and more textured than the previous few years. Silky raspberry and bilberry fruits, still a violet rim even at six years old. 40% new oak. Harvest from September 24 to October 9.

Rich, savory nose, then a powerful but fresh palate with lots of energy and real depth. The finish bounds along. Plenty of savory fruit. Drink or hold.

The 2014 Chauvin is plump, juicy and delicious. This supple, easygoing Saint-Émilion will provide plenty of pleasure right out of the gate. Ripe dark cherry, tobacco and grilled herb notes round out the succulent finish. Tasted two times.

Sporting a new label—which history buffs may be interested to know is a redesign of their label from the 1920s—the medium-bodied, floral, red-berry-driven wine is on the fresh, smooth, easy-drinking side. 86-88 pts

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with violet highlights at the rim. Plenty of ripe black cherries, followed by a spicy Earl Grey note; it opens beautifully and is clearly set to make a positive impression from the first moment. On the palate it is elegant yet shows an engaging concentration, with a long finish and medium drive. The potential here is excellent, and one can look forward to the next releases from the new owner, Silvie Cazes.

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with a lilac sheen at the rim. Plenty of ripe black cherries, backed by a spicy Earl Grey note; it opens beautifully and manages to stand out positively from the very first moment. On the palate, it is elegant yet shows intriguing concentration, with a long finish and medium drive. The potential here is very good, and one can look forward to the next editions from the new owner (Silvie Cazes).

Sylvie Cazes’s first vintage is a great success: a full yet delicate wine, close to the fruit, a harmonious blend of softness and firmness.

A fresh, taut wine, firm in its tannins, currently in an austere phase. It’s often like this in its very early youth, but the substance is of great density. It always needs more time than others to reveal itself.

Garnet red with slight violet highlights. A complex bouquet that unfolds over the minutes. Pleasant graphite notes followed by fruity aromas reminiscent of blackcurrant and raspberries. I also detect a subtle hint of fresh candied fruit. Fruity, refreshing, and appetizing attack. The palate has density and balance. It comes with very elegant, slightly grainy tannins that slowly emerge on the finish and stand up to the wine’s acidity. A fine success. Ultimately, there is just one element that raises a question: the label. Frankly, I don’t like it (yet); I’ll have to get used to it… but is that really important? You can buy this wine with your eyes closed—in every sense of the phrase!

Dark color, with normal intensity. Fruity, fragrant, and spicy nose. The palate is charming, with a soft, flavorful body and no tannic edges. Normal length. Enjoy it young.

This is the first vintage of this new purchase by Sylvie Cazes, a leading figure in the Bordeaux wine scene. A classed growth, it's richly fruity yet structured and firm, with dense tannins and layers of delicious black fruit. With its tannins still well at the fore, it will need to age further, so drink from 2022.