With Hart, Bradien, Eric, Tiara and Jessica, at No Menu for Hart’s birthday celebration!

I have a lot to say.
The Raffles Block had the 2015 before, after the absolutely MONSTROUSLY PERFECT 2014. That was a disappointment. I was CONVINCED the bottle suffered from some kinda defect. Maybe that batch had a serious issue with Brett: it had this overwhelming persistent funk that refused to air out and dissipate even after 2-3 hours. It was unpleasant. I was super fucking disappointed, and I wasn’t sure if it was a bottle defect, or a vintage issue. So I reluctantly ordered another bottle, and have been waiting several months for an occasion to try it out.

I decided to open the bottle and slow ox it 3 hours before the scheduled drinking time, and I was nervous. I immediately poured a tiny sampler and tried it.

Oh… that deep dark blackcurrant and dark ass cherries. Earth and leather. Oh, my god. It’s good. I’m relieved. Everything is good with the world.

In the glass: it is dark maroon with tinges of purple. Full bodied.

On the nose: it’s hard to recall and do a head-to-head with the ungodly 2014, but overall it’s the same dark fruits, black currants, dark cherries with that distinct Pepe funk and depth, that earthy tone. It’s really just, idk, damn delicious and damn pleasurable. If i were to be forced to make a comparison, i think the 2014 is more concentrated, and better balanced. The 2015 is just a touch more fruit forward. But damn good.

On the palate: it’s just so good. Mid+ acidity, mid+ finish. Despite its dense appearance, it’s really more mid/mid+ bodied than full.

I previously rated the 2014 a 4.8. As a spoiler, after tasting that 1995 Cos d’Estournel, I just have to re-calibrate the 2014 to a 4.7, and this to a slightly lower 4.6.
BUT, I am so damn relieved. Wow. I’m gonna start re-buying the 2015!