Château La Fleur 2015, St-Émilion Grand Cru

I hunt down value wines with soul—Ithe kind that tell stories, spark debates, and obliterate your assumptions about what "affordable" can taste like. The deal: Hong Kong prices with free delivery in urban areas. Six-bottle minimum. Ready to explore? WhatsApp 852 66236747 or email cf.lau@dunndunnn.hk. -Kevin K Tang.

Château La Fleur Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2015 hails from Bordeaux's Right Bank and is a lovely wine from an excellent vintage. Nestled among legends like Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, this 18th-century estate crafts its wines from the region's prized clay-limestone soils. Having such prestigious neighbours certainly adds to its appeal.

When you pour it, you’ll see a deep ruby colour that hints at what’s coming. The nose gives you dark cherry, plum, blackberry, vanilla, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, it’s plush and chewy with dense fruit and velvety tannins. The bouquet is lively and slightly jammy, finishing with robust structure. I found it delightful to drink now, though it’ll evolve nicely over the next several years.

The blend is Merlot-dominant with Cabernet Franc and a hint of Cabernet Sauvignon from the northern slopes of Saint-Émilion. That warm 2015 vintage really shows—deeper, more concentrated flavours than 2014. You can drink this wine outdoors, but I’d suggest pairing it with Cantonese-stewed meats or roast pork. The sweet soy and five-spice really complement the wine’s vanilla and clove notes beautifully. Serve it slightly cool at 16-18°C and let it open in the glass—no need to decant.

Here's the thing: this wine's name might cause some confusion with La Fleur-Pétrus, but they're not the same wine. This one is approachable now, but also worth tucking away for a few years. It has a solid structure, though I wouldn't plan to cellar it for decades. Enjoy it within three to six years for the best experience. What I appreciate most is its classic character and seamless drinkability—it's a compelling alternative to its more famous (and pricier) neighbours. If you're looking for a Right Bank Bordeaux that delivers quality without the premium price tag, I think you'll really enjoy this one.