Château Pape Clement Rouge, Pessac-Leognan, FR, 2015

From the first sip, this smooth operator was all about seductive elegance, strutting its silky stuff with a sexy refinement that checked both New and Old World boxes (though most Francophiles would admittedly categorize this more so in the former than the latter). Plush and giving on entry, but with notable focus, dark berry, suave chocolate-covered wild black raspberry, black cherry skin, cedar, black currant, scorched earth, dark soil, mocha, coffee grounds, anise, and subtle Christmas spice all swirl around the palate. The flavor expansion is effortless but undulating. An earthy element duels with a bitter dark chocolate chunk element on the back end (especially after about an hour of air), making for an enticingly brooding back end.

Just the right amount of earth, currant, and cedar encircling the core to keep it true to its roots. Its deftly balanced oak treatment makes for a smooth, lavish streak that brings some modernity and accessibility to the profile as well. This is a great crossover wine for those of us identity crisis types that appreciate both New and Old world styles. Great now as a youngster, or hold for a few years to see how it develops.