The neighbouring appellations of Moulis and Listrac provide an important source of good value, high-quality Bordeaux. Both have succeeded in 2015. Listrac continues its modern march towards a softer more supple style, and the qualities of the vintage – harmony and balance – accentuate this. I was especially impressed with Château Clarke, but there are very positive efforts from Château Ducluzeau, Château Fourcas-Borie, Château Fourcas-Dupré and Château Fourcas Hosten. In Moulis, Château Poujeaux reigns supreme, year in year out, but there is another good effort in 2015 from Château Maucaillou.

The following wines were tasted mostly at the UGCB event at Château Citran on the 5^th April but also at Château Ducru-Beaucaillou on 4^th April, 2016.

Château Clarke, Listrac

Deep and saturated looking; very opaque; tight to rim; ripe and voluptuous Merlot; upfront and soft; velvety feel; lacks a little density perhaps but this is extremely enjoyable Listrac; jam packed with fruit; ripe and soft tannin; very good effort indeed. [70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% alc, 70% new oak]. Drink 2020-2028. 88-90

Château Ducluzeau, Listrac

Purple at edge; spicy characters, ripe fruit tones; supple and nicely balanced on the palate; round and attractive. Nice modern rendition of Listrac. [85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.5% alc, TA 3.3, pH 3.64, IPT 65, 20% new oak]. Drink 2022-2028. 86-88+

Château Fonréaud, Listrac

Deep and saturated; some stone fruit and pain grille elements; black cherry and cassis notes beneath; sturdy; black chocolate tones; chew on the mid-palate so pretty gutsy. Should be goodish. [51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 13% alc 33% new oak]. Drink 2021-2026. 86-88

Château Fourcas-Borie, Listrac

Bold colour; attractive aromatics; polished and crisp palate with crunchy texture; supple fruit but still fresh; appetising with good length. [75% Merlot, 15% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.75% alc. TA 3.18, pH 3.74, IPT 70, 20% new oak]. Drink 2022-2028. 87-89+

Château Fourcas Dupré, Listrac

Mid depth; dark core; purple at edge; slightly more elegantly styled; mineral and black cherry; spice; full entry; plenty of up-front fruit and spice; dips a fraction on the mid palate; should fill out further during ageing. [51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, 13.5%, 33% new oak pH 3.69, TA 3.4]. Drink 2021-2028. 86-88+

Château Fourcas Hosten, Listrac

Deep at core; earthy red at edge; colour tight to rim; some spices and herbal notes; menthol; black cherry fruit on the palate; quite a lot of tannin at the end; little hard at present. Little extracted but will settle. [54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 13% alc, 39% new oak]. Drink 2022-2027. 86-88+

Moulis

Château  Chasse-Spleen, Moulis

Mid depth; earthy edge; bright fruit; higher toned; blackcurrants; some spice; elegant palate with blackcurrants and leady aspect; quite high in acidity and a little austere in style. Grippy finish. Will fill out to a degree but this is the Chasse-Spleen style. [50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 13%]. Drink 2022-2028. 85-87

Château Maucaillou, Moulis

Mid depth; deep at core; perfumed fruit; good palate with plenty of fruit and spice; harmony with spicy tones. Earthy note too. Grip on the finish. Pretty classic Maucaillou. [55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot]. Drink 2021-2027. 87-88+

Château Poujeaux, Moulis

Deep and arterial; dense; tight to rim; aromatics reticent at first; blackcurrant cassis emerges on aeration; some minerality; pure and attractive; concentrate attack; good structure with plenty of fruit. Dense and chewy finish. Needs time. Ten years should do it. [50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc]. Drink 2023-2032. 90-91+