2015 Bordeaux: Power & Finesse on the Left Bank

The Toronto Vintners Club rang in the new year in style with its January tasting event, launching 2026 with a deep dive into one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated modern vintages: 2015 Left Bank Bordeaux. Focused on Cabernet Sauvignon–driven wines from the Médoc and Graves, the evening showcased why 2015 is so often praised for achieving that elusive balance between power and finesse.

Guests were welcomed with a beautifully expressive white Burgundy, the 2023 Domaine Jean Manciat Mâcon-Charnay. Fresh and inviting, this Chardonnay opened with aromas of ripe pear, yellow apple, and citrus zest, layered with subtle floral notes and a touch of crushed stone. On the palate, it was bright and energetic, with clean acidity, gentle mid-palate texture, and a refreshing, mineral-driven finish. An elegant and palate-awakening start before moving into the structured reds of Bordeaux.

The tasting was led by Peter Wearing, who guided members through the nuances of the Left Bank, where deep gravel soils and proximity to the Gironde estuary create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. Peter spoke in detail about Bordeaux’s mastery of blending—how Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot are used to complement Cabernet’s structure, adding suppleness, aromatic lift, and complexity.

The 2015 vintage, shaped by a warm, dry growing season balanced by cool nights, produced wines of remarkable ripeness without excess. The result: generous fruit, polished tannins, and vibrant freshness, making many wines approachable now while clearly built for long-term aging.

The tasting featured a strong cross-section of key Left Bank appellations, each wine offering a distinct expression of terroir and blend:

• Château Carbonnieux – Earthy and fresh, with red currant, wild herbs, and refined structure.

• Château Langoa Barton – Classic Saint-Julien elegance with cedar, graphite, and black fruit.

• Château Lagrange – Tightly knit and mineral-driven, showing boysenberry, pencil shavings, and restraint.

• Château Branaire-Ducru – Polished and layered with dark fruit, spice, and a silky texture.

• Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Structured and vibrant, balancing blackberry fruit with a firm, biodynamic edge.

• Château D’Issan – Brooding and refined, with tar, cedar, and Margaux perfume.

• Château Haut Batailley – A classic Pauillac profile with blackberry, tobacco, pencil shavings, and impressive length.

  
  

Together, the wines illustrated why the Left Bank in 2015 is already considered a benchmark vintage - combining concentration, balance, and age-worthiness in equal measure.

After thoughtful tasting and animated discussion, the clear group favourite emerged: 2015 Château Cantemerle. A wine that charmed from the first sip, Cantemerle stood out for its clarity, balance, and sheer drinkability. Aromatically, it offered red and dark berries, lightly spiced pastry, and subtle cedar. On the palate, the wine was crisp and polished, with finely groomed tannins, vibrant acidity, and fresh, energetic fruit that carried effortlessly through a long, harmonious finish. Elegant yet expressive, it perfectly captured the spirit of the 2015 vintage and proved why Cantemerle consistently overdelivers.

To enhance the tasting experience, the wines were poured in ascending order of Cabernet Sauvignon percentage, allowing guests to gradually build from softer, more approachable blends toward firmer, more structured expressions. This logical progression highlighted how increasing Cabernet Sauvignon influences tannin structure, aromatic profile, and overall power, while also underscoring Bordeaux’s brilliance in blending.

With a thoughtful lineup, expert guidance, and engaged conversation, the 2015 Bordeaux tasting was a standout way to begin the year. It reaffirmed why the Left Bank remains the global benchmark for Cabernet-based wines, and why 2015 continues to shine as a modern classic.

A night of elegance, structure, and timeless Bordeaux character-one that set the tone beautifully for the year ahead! Here's how the group and our guest ranked the wines: