Pomerol & Lalande de Pomerol

Release date: 13/6/2024

Shows the exotic nature of Le Pin with blackberries, milk chocolate and hints of spices, as well as coffee beans from the ripe seeds in the grapes. It's medium-bodied with focused and creamy tannins.Shows the exotic nature of Le Pin with blackberries, milk chocolate and hints of spices, as well as coffee beans from the ripe seeds in the grapes. It's medium-bodied with focused and creamy tannins. Also plenty of nectarine and clementine character. This is so classic Le Pin at the finish. It lasts for minutes in your mouth. Silky and flavorful. 100% merlot magic. Rating: 99-100 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 13/6/2024

The blend is 88% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc, from 12 hectares of vines, picked at a yield of 43 hl/ha. The Merlot was picked from September 7th starting with young vines on gravel, through to theThe blend is 88% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Franc, from 12 hectares of vines, picked at a yield of 43 hl/ha. The Merlot was picked from September 7th starting with young vines on gravel, through to the 20th, and the Cabernet Franc on October 2nd. A very fresh, harmonious and rather swish style on the nose, with dried blackcurrants, blackberries, roses and violets, with a touch of dark chocolate. It displays lovely harmony at the start of the palate, with succulent dark fruits, holding up nicely though the middle, showing savoury and fresh, with a medium body, and a fine-grained backbone of tannins which shapes and guides the fruit through to the finish. Wonderful midpalate drive, with fresh substance, plenty of delicious grip but more significantly it feels bright and alive, through to a finish riven with grippy tannin and fresh acidity. A delicious and perfumed La Conseillante which should develop well. The alcohol is about 14%. Rating: 96-98 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 11/6/2024

A blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, Vieux Chateau Certan 2023 has a pH of 3.74 and it is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of fresh blackberries, juicy plums, and black cherries slowlyA blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc, Vieux Chateau Certan 2023 has a pH of 3.74 and it is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of fresh blackberries, juicy plums, and black cherries slowly emerge from the glass, opening out to fragrant notes of violets, star anise, and black truffles, followed by wafts of wood smoke and cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is taut and muscular with firm, rounded tannins and seamless acidity, finishing with many, many layers of earth, spice, and floral notes. This is pure latent power. Drinking range: 2030 - 2060 Rating: 97-99+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2024)

Release date: 7/6/2024

The Clinet vineyard now includes 0.5 hectares absorbed from Château Lécuyer, which Ronan Laborde purchased in 2022. The blend is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. I get sweet blackcurrant fruitThe Clinet vineyard now includes 0.5 hectares absorbed from Château Lécuyer, which Ronan Laborde purchased in 2022. The blend is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. I get sweet blackcurrant fruit on the nose here, with raspberry jam, damson, tar, espresso and rose petal, fragrant and deliciously expressive. The palate shows the same beautifully pure and floral dark fruit as seen on the nose, with veins of finely grained tannins (particularly on the second sample tasted), which come to the fore in the midpalate, before they wrap themselves tightly around the finish. An impressive barrel sample which reflects the success of the vintage in Pomerol, and also the long years of work Ronan Laborde has put it here. Well done, this is delicious. Rating: 94-96 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 6/6/2024

Aromas of dark wild berries, cassis, chocolate, spices and coniferous forest preface the 2023 Petit Village, a medium to full-bodied, layered and textured wine with a rich, concentrated core of fruitAromas of dark wild berries, cassis, chocolate, spices and coniferous forest preface the 2023 Petit Village, a medium to full-bodied, layered and textured wine with a rich, concentrated core of fruit framed by a structured texture, powdery tannins and concluding with an oak-inflected finish. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 89-91 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.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

The blend of the 2023 from Le Gay is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and it was picked at a yield of 42 hl/ha, starting on September 11th, finishing the 25th. I find plenty of savoury aromatics onThe blend of the 2023 from Le Gay is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and it was picked at a yield of 42 hl/ha, starting on September 11th, finishing the 25th. I find plenty of savoury aromatics on the nose, with sweet damson, griottes, blackcurrant, black olive and tar; you can sense the depth and richness of the clay terroir coming through here. The palate is no less convincing than the nose, presenting layers of blackberry, plum, liquorice, coffee bean and tar, atop a frame of deliciously bright and delineated tannins, with perfumed nuances of cherry blossom, white peach, rose and mint. This is absolutely delicious, so coherent and fresh, with a fine core of complex fruit on the edge of desiccation laid atop a seamless frame of tannins, fresh and bright, with a long finish simmering with complex and floral aromatics and grippy tannin. Very impressive and composed, this has great potential, and acts as an indicator of the quality of the vintage in Pomerol. Tasted five times. The alcohol is about 14%. Rating: 95-97 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.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 second wine of Les Cruzelles, this is 100% Merlot, because all the Cabernet went up into the grand vin. The fruit was picked on September 13th. The aromatics are distinctive, with rather leafyThe second wine of Les Cruzelles, this is 100% Merlot, because all the Cabernet went up into the grand vin. The fruit was picked on September 13th. The aromatics are distinctive, with rather leafy cherry fruit, wrapped up in a little toast. The palate feels a little gentle, with rather charming red cherry and tobacco fruit, and a little toast, draped over a core of fresh tannins. It finishes with a little flourish of ripe tannin. An easy-going style which will be ready to go soon after bottling I think. The alcohol is 14.3% on analysis. Rating: 88-90 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

Rises through the palate, intense and concentrated with cloves, pomegranate, black pepper, cumin, rosemary, rich black fruits balanced and given lift and contrast by nuanced and fresher raspberryRises through the palate, intense and concentrated with cloves, pomegranate, black pepper, cumin, rosemary, rich black fruits balanced and given lift and contrast by nuanced and fresher raspberry leaf, tomato leaf, saline squid ink, and fresh citrus peel acidities. This has cohesion, precision, lift and character. Noëmie Durantou winemaker. Harvest September 1 to 18. 42hl/h yield. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 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

The 2023 Les Cruzelles initially presents a slightly oaky aroma, which transitions to a more floral essence upon aeration. Then it evokes aromas of dark wild berries, spices and mulberries.The 2023 Les Cruzelles initially presents a slightly oaky aroma, which transitions to a more floral essence upon aeration. Then it evokes aromas of dark wild berries, spices and mulberries. Medium-bodied, round and charming, it has velvety tannins and a dense, elegant mid-palate, with a long, rich and fruity finish. It's a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc matured in 55% new oak. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Yohan Castaing, www.robertparker.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

A full and juicy red with plum, chocolate, and toasted oak that impress right away. It’s layered and intense with lots of flavor at the finish, going on for minutes. Better than 2022.A full and juicy red with plum, chocolate, and toasted oak that impress right away. It’s layered and intense with lots of flavor at the finish, going on for minutes. Better than 2022. Rating: 96-97 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 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

Smoky oak, good ift and zip, waves of rosemary and black chocolate, cocoa bean, espresso, intense but with peony and iris aromatics, and fresh waves of acidity that sends the palate upwards to meetSmoky oak, good ift and zip, waves of rosemary and black chocolate, cocoa bean, espresso, intense but with peony and iris aromatics, and fresh waves of acidity that sends the palate upwards to meet blueberry fruits. Love the silky texture, and the grip, very appellation signature. Oldest vines here are more than 80 years, planted before the frost of 1956. Mathieu Bellot is the vineyard consultant, but no outside winemaking consultant. Drinking range: 2029 - 2042 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 17/5/2024

One of those benchmark estates that rise above the individual character of the year, imposing their own personality that remains true to itself. Good texture here, enjoyable depth and balance, peonyOne of those benchmark estates that rise above the individual character of the year, imposing their own personality that remains true to itself. Good texture here, enjoyable depth and balance, peony floral character, cocoa bean and slate, with tannins that give sinew and tension to the palate. Good stuff, will age. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

The depth of fruit and creamy tannin structure show the class and beauty of this wine. It’s rich in ever-so-polished tannins that caress every inch of your palate. Medium to full body. Lovely finish.The depth of fruit and creamy tannin structure show the class and beauty of this wine. It’s rich in ever-so-polished tannins that caress every inch of your palate. Medium to full body. Lovely finish. 95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 2/5/2024

78 Merlot, 21 Cabernet Franc, 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 13.5% alc 45 hl/ha 3.7 pH Harvest was 4 - 28 September I was fortunate to taste at L’Evangile with Saskia de Rothschild and78 Merlot, 21 Cabernet Franc, 1 Cabernet Sauvignon 13.5% alc 45 hl/ha 3.7 pH Harvest was 4 - 28 September I was fortunate to taste at L’Evangile with Saskia de Rothschild and winemaker Juliette Couderc. It has been a running theme in my tasting notes that the glorious wines of the 2023 vintage could never have been so successful without repeated human intervention. I abhor the lines, ‘wine is made in the vineyard’ and ‘we did nothing, the wine just made itself’! Grapes are grown in the vineyard, and wine is made in a winery, and without seriously talented, dedicated, hard-working and experienced people, we would never have the sensational wines found hither and thither in the 2023 vintage. This is because multiple decisions had to be made throughout the year with accuracy and conviction, and the speed taken to deploy one’s actions determined the very best wines. At the top of our list of discussion points at Evangile were the pivotal decisions made during the growing season. Firstly, there were perfect flowering conditions, and they needed to control the vigour. In the end, three green harvests took place, which brought a possible gigantic yield of 60-70 hl/ha to a much more realistic but still remarkably generous 42 hl/ha. Mildew pressure was immense, too, but again, they brought it under control with extreme discipline and speed (on one occasion, spraying four times in one week). The gravel sectors in the vineyard came in first, with the younger vine Merlots starting on 4 September, and the blue clay plots waited until mid-September. Terroir dictated the sequence of harvesting, with the Cabernets coming last in perfect condition. At every step, humans threw the dice, knowing that they would win – and they did. The fruit and power explode on the nose here in a fanfare of Cabernet Franc lifted high onto the shoulders of the rock-steady Merlot. My mind raced back to the awe-inspiring 2022 vintage, and while that wine was calm and complete, this 2023 is active, challenging and shapeshifting, making you work to shadow it around the glass. Usually, Juliette and her team build this wine from a blue clay Merlot base, moulding Cabernet Franc around this central structure to create a final wine, but this year, Franc was so impressive that they started assembling the wine with twin pillars of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and the results are astounding. The tannins and the sense of place and earthiness are profound, giving this place a precise GPS flavour that makes it irresistible. With both varieties granted the same respect and importance, the result is a wine with an astonishing perfume, epic tension, and tremendous build quality. Like I say – made by humans, and in this instance, made by humans with elite skills. Rating: 19+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

The 2023 Nénin is a classy wine that marries power with nuance. Cabernet Franc plays a prominent role here, and that comes through in its aromatic presence and overall feel. There's also a touch ofThe 2023 Nénin is a classy wine that marries power with nuance. Cabernet Franc plays a prominent role here, and that comes through in its aromatic presence and overall feel. There's also a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, which no doubt contributes to the wine's profile as well. Rose petal, mocha, spice, licorice, leather and cedar are all laced together in this powerhouse Pomerol. I can't wait to see where this goes. Drinking range: 2027 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Feytit-Clinet has a delightful bouquet that is subtle at first but coheres nicely, beautifully defined with black cherries, violets and truffle scents. The palate is medium-bodied with aThe 2023 Feytit-Clinet has a delightful bouquet that is subtle at first but coheres nicely, beautifully defined with black cherries, violets and truffle scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a deft touch of dark chocolate on the entry. It’s well-structured and firm in the mouth, but there is elegance here and a tender, persistent finish. This is another in a string of successful wines for the Chasseuil family estate. It’s on par with last year's wine. Drinking range: 2027 - 2045 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.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)

The 2023 Enclos Tournaline is especially potent in this vintage. A blast of dark cherry, plum, leather, spice and incense hits the palate first, before bright acids pull it all together on the close.The 2023 Enclos Tournaline is especially potent in this vintage. A blast of dark cherry, plum, leather, spice and incense hits the palate first, before bright acids pull it all together on the close. This dense, full-throttle Pomerol packs a huge punch. The mix of parcels on both gravel and clay yields a Pomerol of notable depth. Tasted three times. Drinking range: 2027 - 2038 Rating: 91-93 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)