The 2015 Bordeaux has reached Hong Kong. It is a vintage worth taking a serious look at as the wines are of consistently high quality and are approachable young but with the capacity to age. The Wine Spectator magazine states that 2015 “should easily be the best vintage since 2010, with reds, dry whites and sweet wines all showing promise, backed by a near-normal crop size”. Growing conditions were fairly ideal in 2015. Summer brought record-high temperatures leading to an early harvest, with white grapes being picked at the end of August. The merlot harvest started in mid-September followed by cabernet sauvignon. Harvest conditions were perfect, with cool, dry nights. Château Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc 2015, Pessac-Léognan, HK$1,090 The year 2015 marks the 25th vintage for Florence and Daniel Cathiard, the owners of Château Smith Haut Lafitte, where viticulture is a juxtaposition of tradition and cutting-edge technology. While the white-grape vineyards are ploughed manually using horses, the Oenoview satellite system is employed to monitor vine growth and drones are used to check on the ripening of the grapes. In the winery, as much as possible is recycled – carbon dioxide is turned into sodium bicarbonate while rainwater is harvested – and electricity is provided by solar panels. The white is a blend of 90 per cent sauvignon blanc, 5 per cent semillon and 5 per cent sauvignon gris. Ripe apple, peach and citrus with spicy notes. Full bodied, succulent and powerful, with forward fruit, a creamy texture, discreet oak in the background and a long finish. Château Poujeaux 2015, Listrac-Médoc, HK$355 Château Poujeaux, owned by the Cuvelier family, ranks at a cru bourgeois level, but in terms of quality, it surpasses many cru classé . It is an underrated wine that always exceeds expectations. Vines are on average about 30 years old. The wine is a blend of 49 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 42 per cent merlot, 7 per cent petit verdot and 2 per cent cabernet franc. Wines are aged for 12 months in barriques, of which 30 per cent are new. Ripe blackcurrants, some black olives and savoury notes. Medium bodied, with ripe black fruit and balanced, supple tannins. Easy drinking and long. An attractive young wine that is approachable now but will also keep. Château Léoville Barton 2015, Saint-Julien, HK$989 In the 1720s, Irishman Thomas Barton settled in Bordeaux and founded a négociant business. In 1826, his descendant Hugh Barton expanded the family business by acquiring vineyards in Saint-Julien. Fast forward to the 21st century, the property is now managed by ninth-generation family member Lilian Barton Sartorius and her two children, Mélanie and Damien. Barton Sartorius is delighted with the 2015 wines. Grapes are harvested early to retain freshness and acidity. For a second growth, Léoville-Barton is an overachiever and provides great value for money. It is a wine that will age easily for three decades and more. A blend of 86 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 14 per cent merlot, the wine is aged for 18 months in 60 per cent new French oak. Initially restrained and opens up to vibrant blackcurrant, black cherries, floral and spice. Elegant and possessing a tight structure. Well balanced, with firm tannins and soft acidity. Finishing very long. Youthful and will benefit from at least another decade of cellaring. The wines are available from Etc Wine Shops .