Domaines Barons de Rothschild – Lafite, Pauillac (Bordeaux, France) 2015

 Bordeaux has become so expensive to buy and so frustrating to use that many consumers have turned away entirely.  This is an example of the sort of wine that could reverse this trend.  It inspires confidence by bearing the imprimatur of one of the world’s greatest producers — and then backing it up with excellent wine that is easy to enjoy upon release but still true to the seriousness of its famed appellation.  Surely the warm 2015 growing season contributes to the easy enjoyability of this release, so my recommendation doesn’t extend beyond this vintage, but snatch this if you see it in a store or a wine list.  It shows wonderful dark berry fruit with very interesting mineral accents and touches of spicy oak plus, believe it or not, the famed undertone of pencil shavings long associated with the terroir of Pauillac within the firmament of Bordeaux.  Classy and satisfying at once.