Pomerol & Lalande de Pomerol

Release date: 13/6/2024

The 2023 Le Pin is all sensuality. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2023 possesses notable depth. It is an especially exuberant, dense Le Pin. Dark-toned fruit, iron, leather, scorched earth and incenseThe 2023 Le Pin is all sensuality. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2023 possesses notable depth. It is an especially exuberant, dense Le Pin. Dark-toned fruit, iron, leather, scorched earth and incense gradually unfurl in the glass. The long, sustained finish is suggestive of what is certain to be a very bright future. I tasted the 2023 from the en primeur blend and then directly from barrels crafted by Seguin-Moreau, the historical cooper of choice here, and Taransaud, a more recent addition. I found young wines of tremendous freshness and verve. This is a magnificent showing from Jacques Thienpont, Fiona Morrison MW and Guillaume Thienpont. Drinking range: 2033 - 2063 Rating: 96-99 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/6/2024

Wow. What beauty, elegance and length in this young wine, with medium body and vivid, bright acidity that gives energy and greater length. The tannins are extremely fine-grained, with an endless,Wow. What beauty, elegance and length in this young wine, with medium body and vivid, bright acidity that gives energy and greater length. The tannins are extremely fine-grained, with an endless, silky texture. Another al-dente wine with brilliance. Goes on for minutes. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 11/6/2024

A very fine and polished young VCC with subtle density and a racy backbone of tannins. Compact with well-toned muscles and a persistent finish. Very silky. Really grows at the end. 82% merlot and 18%A very fine and polished young VCC with subtle density and a racy backbone of tannins. Compact with well-toned muscles and a persistent finish. Very silky. Really grows at the end. 82% merlot and 18% cabernet franc. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 7/6/2024

The 2023 Clinet is powerful and racy right out of the gate. Crushed flowers, spice, mocha and a kiss of French oak meld into a core of dark red- and black-toned fruit. This modern, stylish Pomerol isThe 2023 Clinet is powerful and racy right out of the gate. Crushed flowers, spice, mocha and a kiss of French oak meld into a core of dark red- and black-toned fruit. This modern, stylish Pomerol is so expressive. Hints of graphite, lavender, crushed rocks and pencil shavings linger on the substantial finish. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/6/2024

The 2023 Petit-Village emerges from the eastern blocks on the property—in other words, those on the Pomerol plateau. Black cherry, chocolate, espresso, licorice and spice infuse the 2023 with notableThe 2023 Petit-Village emerges from the eastern blocks on the property—in other words, those on the Pomerol plateau. Black cherry, chocolate, espresso, licorice and spice infuse the 2023 with notable richness. This is an especially potent, bold style built on textural opulence and breadth. The Cabernet signatures are pretty strong here. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 91-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

The 2023 Guillot-Clauzel is gorgeous. Fresh, floral and medium in body, this is all class from start to finish. Since taking over winemaking for this small, two-hectare property in 2018, GuillaumeThe 2023 Guillot-Clauzel is gorgeous. Fresh, floral and medium in body, this is all class from start to finish. Since taking over winemaking for this small, two-hectare property in 2018, Guillaume Thienpont has really dialed in the approach. The denser, oakier winemaking of the first few years has evolved into an approach that seeks to exalt the finesse this site is capable of. The 2023 is really quite delicious. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

The 2023 La Croix St Georges is a terrific effort from this estate that neighbors Le Pin and shares a similar gravelly terroir. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of mulberries, plums and raspberriesThe 2023 La Croix St Georges is a terrific effort from this estate that neighbors Le Pin and shares a similar gravelly terroir. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of mulberries, plums and raspberries mingled with hints of licorice and kirsch, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and layered, with a concentrated core of fruit and a seamless, complete profile. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (May 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

This solid, structured Pomerol boasts a very tight and focused palate of fruit and chewy tannins, yet it remains polished and focused. This has a real sense of provenance.This solid, structured Pomerol boasts a very tight and focused palate of fruit and chewy tannins, yet it remains polished and focused. This has a real sense of provenance. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

Very attractive center-palate with blackberry fruit, a hint of chocolate and a minerally, terra-cotta undertone. Medium-bodied, fresh and racy. Shows tension and clarity. It grows on the finish withVery attractive center-palate with blackberry fruit, a hint of chocolate and a minerally, terra-cotta undertone. Medium-bodied, fresh and racy. Shows tension and clarity. It grows on the finish with muscular yet fine tannins. May be better than 2022. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

Full-bodied with a rich and chunky mid-palate, packed with fruit and chewy tannins. It’s very well framed and muscular, but not heavy. This should develop well with more time in barrel.Full-bodied with a rich and chunky mid-palate, packed with fruit and chewy tannins. It’s very well framed and muscular, but not heavy. This should develop well with more time in barrel. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 La Chenade shows a dark, somber profile, evoking aromas of gentian, licorice, mulberries and violet. Medium-bodied with a layered and rich palate, it’s creamy and enrobing with velvetyThe 2023 La Chenade shows a dark, somber profile, evoking aromas of gentian, licorice, mulberries and violet. Medium-bodied with a layered and rich palate, it’s creamy and enrobing with velvety tannins and a long, firm finish. It was made entirely from Merlot grapes that are matured in new oak barrels, comprising 40% of the total. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked between September 10 and 14 and matured in 82% new oak. It has a stunning bouquet with enthralling delineation and focus, very intense with blackberries,The 2023 L'Eglise-Clinet was picked between September 10 and 14 and matured in 82% new oak. It has a stunning bouquet with enthralling delineation and focus, very intense with blackberries, raspberry, crushed stone, Earl Grey and a touch of blood orange. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and a dash of cracked black pepper. It's very harmonious and fans out brilliantly on the finish. It is surely going to vie with the stupendous 2022, and this ranks as one of the best wines of the vintage. Tasted on two visits at the beginning and end of my Bordeaux tastings. Drinking range: 2032 - 2060 Rating: 98-100 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

As usual, the 2023 La Petite Eglise is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14.4% alcohol. Wafting from the glass with aromas of plums and cherries mingled with notes ofAs usual, the 2023 La Petite Eglise is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14.4% alcohol. Wafting from the glass with aromas of plums and cherries mingled with notes of dark chocolate and truffle, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with a rich core of fruit, sweet tannins and good depth at the core, concluding with a broad, oak-inflected finish. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

This is one of the best young Lalande de Pomerols I have had. It is very deep and complex on the palate, with pure fruit, spice and chocolate. Lovely tannins, too. 80% merlot and 20% cabernetThis is one of the best young Lalande de Pomerols I have had. It is very deep and complex on the palate, with pure fruit, spice and chocolate. Lovely tannins, too. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

Inky, juicy, blueberry and blackberry fruits, has Pomerol typicty, slate character, fresh and with depth that makes you engage with what is going on, highly enjoyable. 30% new oak for ageing, 30hl/haInky, juicy, blueberry and blackberry fruits, has Pomerol typicty, slate character, fresh and with depth that makes you engage with what is going on, highly enjoyable. 30% new oak for ageing, 30hl/ha yield. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

The grand vin at Beauregard comes from vines planted mostly on clay, and the blend now includes Cabernet Sauvignon which accounts for 6% of the blend, with 20% Cabernet Franc and 74% Merlot. TheThe grand vin at Beauregard comes from vines planted mostly on clay, and the blend now includes Cabernet Sauvignon which accounts for 6% of the blend, with 20% Cabernet Franc and 74% Merlot. The other change was the sorting this year, which made use of densitometry. This takes about 55% of the crop, based on soils rather than vines or varieties. The nose is laden with sweet and cleanly defined blackcurrant fruits, with a pastille-like intensity, with similarly sweet dried raspberry and a little menthol freshness. This translates into an open, relaxed and rather juicy style on the palate, with croquant blackcurrant and raspberry, wrapped in a gently silky texture, leading into a dry finish grained with a little tannin. The first sample tasted had a little touch of reticent austerity to it; perhaps it just needed time (or oxygen) to open it up. Second and third samples revealed considerably more charm. Tasted three times. The alcohol is reported to be 14%. Rating: 91-93 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

This is a blend of 70% and 30% Cabernet Franc, a little more Cabernet Franc than usual but this reflects the fact some old Merlot has been pulled up. The nose here is dark and smoky, with notes ofThis is a blend of 70% and 30% Cabernet Franc, a little more Cabernet Franc than usual but this reflects the fact some old Merlot has been pulled up. The nose here is dark and smoky, with notes of griottes and blackcurrant, but with a little note of matchstick reduction. The palate shows a lovely sense of harmony, with dark fruits intertwined with tobacco and toast, with plenty of texture, a dark and savoury fruit character led by olive, currant and toast, with an subframe of ripe and finely knit tannins. This is really charming, with honest fruit, good structure and a wrapping of oak. A really nice Clos L’Église this year, with good potential. The alcohol is about 14%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 17/5/2024

Very classy, with a crushed-stone and terra-cotta highlight to the blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut character. It’s medium-bodied with a personality that grows on the finish and delivers intensityVery classy, with a crushed-stone and terra-cotta highlight to the blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut character. It’s medium-bodied with a personality that grows on the finish and delivers intensity and length at the end. Very long. Very structured. We will see which is better, 2022 or 2023. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The 2023 Blason de L’Évangile is a very pretty second wine. Pliant and expressive, with fine persistence, the 2023 offers up plenty of dark-toned fruit, along with touches of spice, leather, tobaccoThe 2023 Blason de L’Évangile is a very pretty second wine. Pliant and expressive, with fine persistence, the 2023 offers up plenty of dark-toned fruit, along with touches of spice, leather, tobacco and incense that build with time. The darker, riper side of the year comes through nicely here. This is an unusual Blason that is mostly Merlot, with just a touch of Franc. There's a touch of tightness on the finish that hopefully will soften with élevage. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 89-91 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

A fine line of tannins runs through this medium- to full-bodied wine. Chocolate, walnut and lead pencil on very fine tannins. Classy and focused, providing elegance with strength. Tight at the end.A fine line of tannins runs through this medium- to full-bodied wine. Chocolate, walnut and lead pencil on very fine tannins. Classy and focused, providing elegance with strength. Tight at the end. 78% merlot, 21% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

Mocha, blood orange, creamy ripe damson and black fruits, a swirl of peony flowers, succulent but without being heavy, this is a great Nenin, showing potential of the property's 20 year old CabernetMocha, blood orange, creamy ripe damson and black fruits, a swirl of peony flowers, succulent but without being heavy, this is a great Nenin, showing potential of the property's 20 year old Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, used in the blend for the first time in this vintage. 40% new oak for ageing, 46hl/h yield, 3.68ph. Pomerol estate owned by the Delon family of Léoville Las Cases. Drinking range: 2030 - 2046 Rating: 94-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

A nice concentration of fruit is the focus on the nose of this barrel sample, a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, with crushed blackberry and layers of coffee bean and sweet dark chocolate.A nice concentration of fruit is the focus on the nose of this barrel sample, a blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, with crushed blackberry and layers of coffee bean and sweet dark chocolate. This is matched by an appealing, softly polished core of texture which characterises the start and middle of the palate, with a rich grip of tightly knit tannins. A modest but appealing depth, but still very much showing the sinew and drive of the vintage, with threads of blackberry, toast, dark chocolate and slate, set over the grip and fresh acidity. But it has texture too, lifting this above many other wines in this vintage, before it finishes in a firm and convincing style. An attractive Feytit-Clinet this year, with texture, cohesion and grip. Tasted three times. Rating: 93-95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Aromas of dark berries and creamy new oak introduce the 2023 La Pointe, a medium-bodied, chewy and compact wine with a planky finish.Aromas of dark berries and creamy new oak introduce the 2023 La Pointe, a medium-bodied, chewy and compact wine with a planky finish. Rating: 87-89 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

This is 97% Merlot, with 3% Cabernet Franc, from just 1.2 hectares of vines. The Cabernet Franc is planted at a high density, on gravel soils, just in front of the cellars. The harvest was fromThis is 97% Merlot, with 3% Cabernet Franc, from just 1.2 hectares of vines. The Cabernet Franc is planted at a high density, on gravel soils, just in front of the cellars. The harvest was from September 15th to the 21st, the yield 32 hl/ha. A rather vibrant nose, with rose petal, red cherry and smoke, a suggestion of crushed chalk and a touch of dried fruit. The palate feels rather reticent, with a core of rather dry and savoury berries, wrapped in a modest texture, with a rich ribbon of tannins holding it all together. It is lifted a little by the freshness of the vintage, the acidity fine and linear, before a cohesive finish which simmers with dark fruit, energy and grip. A rather solidly built example of the vintage; hopefully time will soften its resolve. The alcohol is declared to be 13.5%. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)