The 2015 Les Astéries is a single-vineyard Saint-Émilion Grand Cru produced by Jonathan Maltus at Château Teyssier from vines up to 80 years old on limestone terroir that survived the 1956 frost. It is a blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in a rich, polished, and plush wine with silky tannins, notable concentration, ripe black fruits, and a distinct minerality. The wine displays a deep garnet-purple color with aromas of cast-iron pan, black cherries, mulberries, and blackcurrants, accented by graphite, cedar, and forest floor notes. On the palate, it is broad and dense, featuring warm ganache, smoldering tobacco, steeped plum, and warm fig preserves, with a long, regal finish. It balances juicy plum and black cherry fruit with chocolate, sweet spice, and evolving savory tobacco and cedar characteristics, underpinned by a terrific mineral vein.
Food Pairings
- This wine pairs well with beef and venison. It is also versatile for mature cheeses, tender meat cuts, or tomato-rich broths.
Critics Reviews
- The 2015 vintage has an average critic score of 93/100 based on 12 reviews, with a community average rating of 4.3/5 from over 750 users. Key reviews include:
- Wine Enthusiast (96/100): “This wine is packed with ripe black fruit and structured by a dense, mineral texture. Generous fruit tones and plenty of tannic grip translate to a wine worthy of the cellar.”
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Tim Atkin (96/100): “Refreshing, nuanced, and bright, with fine, chalky tannins and succulent black fruits. Not cheap but worth it.”
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James Suckling (95/100): “Very attractive rich, red berries with fresh red flowers, baking spices and dark, earthy aromas. The palate has an impressive build, gathering fleshy presence and rich, dark-berry flavors as it runs into a long, regal finish.”
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Jeb Dunnuck (95+ points): “Brilliant minerality, blackcurrant, black cherry, graphite, and forest floor aromas and flavors. Hide it for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+ years.”
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Antonio Galloni’s Vinous (95 points): “Pure and total allure, marrying natural intensity with energy.”
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Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (95+ points): “Generous fruit tones and plenty of tannic grip.”
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Decanter: “Well defined with firm but ripe tannins wrapped in supple fruit. Lovely length with the limestone terroir showing. Ageing potential.”
Drink Window
- Recommended drinking window is 2018-2036. Other suggestions include 2022-2035 (Tim Atkin), 2020-2035 (Vinous), or starting from 2025 (Wine Enthusiast).
