A rather interesting satellite–firmly in the *cheap Bordeaux* category–all smoky grit in the nose, fruit layered behind copious minerality and structure. Saline and saliva, dark cherry blowing things away with aplomb, a spicy tremor anchoring all. Ripe beyond belief, mucousy still-water glowing throughout.
Tasting it presents a diaspora of balance where California influences are unmistakable against BDX inclusion. The fat-tire burn of roasted fruit from the nose influences the palate incredibly, but with charming integration of acid and structure calming things a bit. Middle-area is vague at best, the complexity failing where welcome harshness SHOULD exist. Finishing quite flat and chubby, the tannins on 11: drying out the mouthfeel where glorious memories should exist. Too little; too late; too unbalanced. Do we need to surmise where this wine will be in a decade? A 100-point vintage with the requisite alcoholic burn and over-ripe cherry. Drink them now. And don’t buy French wines wiht GRAND RESERVE on the front label.
2018 CHATEAU SISSAN ‘Grand Reserve’ Cotes de Bordeaux Cadillac France 15.0
Stephen McConnell 