2014 Cissac

The 2014 Cissac was very backward and broody on the nose, the word that comes to mind -- stilted. The palate is better with plenty of fruit although I find it not quite as enmeshed with the oak as I would have liked. Plus, there is a slight bitterness on the finish. Cissac can make splendid Haut-Médoc, but I am not convinced that this is one of them. Tasted September 2016.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 14 months in barrel (30% new). Deep crimson. Smells of sweet, small dark wild berries and blueberries – inviting – and a touch of oak sweetness. Tighter and fresher than I expected on the palate. Juicy but firm. Dark and dry. Middle of the road but in balance. (JH)

The 2014 Cissac was very backward and broody on the nose, the word that comes to mind -- stilted. The palate is better with plenty of fruit although I find it not quite as enmeshed with the oak as I would have liked. Plus, there is a slight bitterness on the finish. Cissac can make splendid Haut-Medoc, but I am not convinced that this is one of them. Tasted September 2016. Oct 2016, www.robertparker.com