Château La Louvière, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, 2015

Weighty apricot fruit from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, and 30% new oak with lees stirring certainly fattens up the palate. This is going for upfront impact and full expression and carries it off very well. It's a contemporary spin and unashamedly so, without going over the top. Enjoyable.

Aromas and flavours of fresh citrus, chamomile and primrose reveal a smooth and refined wine. Well integrated 30% new oak from the aging contributes to a creamy texture, revealing good balance with floral, white stone fruit and touches of kiwi on the long finish. Tasted on three occasions with consistent positive feedback. Owner Jacques Lurton explained how cooler temperatures in the vineyard, compared to those higher on the plateau, and clay soils accentuating vine vigour (and more leaf covering) proved ideal for the warm 2015 vintage. 'If I can find it, I am buying it,' said Stéphan Maure of the Strasbourg wine bar Ill Vino. Try with cod in a lemon sauce.