Barboursville Octagon 2015
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Suckling
James -
Parker
Robert
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James Suckling
Extremely rich aromas of currants, sweet tobacco and dark chocolate follow through to a medium body with soft, silky tannins and a beautiful finish. Supple and attractive palate. Drink now, but better in 2020.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Octagon, the latest release, is 50% Merlot, with 30% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak. It comes in at 13.5% alcohol. Dried herbs and a touch of cream open this up. It's hard to see right now how it achieves the grandeur of the 2007 oldie this issue, but the truth is that the big wines here are often closed and not all they can be when young. There is also a touch of smoke, maybe a bit of reduction. That should blow off with time. The structure is fine, with a tight finish, while the nose is mostly herbs and that hint of smoke. The fruit here needs to become more expressive, which will require time. It will show a lot better around 2023. They have proven that they age very well, so there will be no problem holding this. There is no rush.
Rating:90+
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