2014 Soutard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2014 Soutard has a ripe red cherry and crushed strawberry scented bouquet tinged with vanilla. The new oak feels quite conspicuous but not overbearing. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe red fruit, although here the oak grabs the steering wheel at the expense of terroir expression and personality. I expect more considering previous showings. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Lightly minty nose. Bloody flavours; could do with a bit more freshness of fruit. Sour finish. (JR)
The 2014 Soutard seemed to have lost some of that breeding and control that I discerned out of barrel, the aromatics here not quite as detailed as its peers. The palate is better with fleshy red berry fruit laced with cedar and a pinch of spice. The acidity is nicely judged and the finish demonstrates the precision that I wish was there on the aromatics. Not a bad Soutard, but it could have been better.
Dark crimson. Complex, evolved nose. Easy, fresh, well balanced. Nothing excessive. Nicely done with good energy. Long and with a fair amount of acidity that is – just – not excessive. Dry and racy but not drying. A confident, lively, relatively light St-Émilion. Bit of a ballet dancer. (JR)