Pomerol & Lalande de Pomerol

Release date: 13/6/2024

Sinew, precision, stunning depths through the palate, less exuberant than some vintages of Le Pin and yet the texture is immediately arresting, with rich peony and iris aromatics, fleshy raspberrySinew, precision, stunning depths through the palate, less exuberant than some vintages of Le Pin and yet the texture is immediately arresting, with rich peony and iris aromatics, fleshy raspberry and damson fruits but also grip, orange peel, cigar box, tobacco leaf and a languorous stretch out through the palate. 65% new oak (2019 was the last year to be 100% new oak). Yields of 40hl/h, even with a touch of green harvesting, very unusual at Le Pin. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 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

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan bursts from the glass with demonstrative aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, violets mingled with notions of burning embers, iris, crushed mint and black tea.The 2023 Vieux Château Certan bursts from the glass with demonstrative aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings, violets mingled with notions of burning embers, iris, crushed mint and black tea. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and sensual, with a gourmand attack that segues into a layered, enveloping mid-palate, it's polished and perfumed, with a sweet core of fruit and a long, gently oak-inflected finish. This year's blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc checks in at 14% alcohol and a pH of 3.74. Rating: 94-96 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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

This is derived from the same more easterly (higher) parcels which also gave to the grand vin in 2022, the vines mostly planted between 1955 and 1965. A blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc andThis is derived from the same more easterly (higher) parcels which also gave to the grand vin in 2022, the vines mostly planted between 1955 and 1965. A blend of 65% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, picked at a yield of 36 hl/ha, this has beautiful aromatics, all verbena, menthol, powdered chalk and dark summer berries. This translates into a rather charming texture on the palate, with a fresh, juicy and open style, broad and mouth-filling, but fresh and light-footed, with dark and savoury flavours, but a juicy energy. It finishes with a little flourish of savoury tannins. Elegant, coherent, integrated, with fresh acidity and a structure of ripe and tightly knit grip, this has good cellaring potential. The alcohol is about 13.5%. Rating: 93-95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 5/6/2024

This is 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, from 2 hectares of vines, on soils of gravel perhaps two metres deep, over deeper clay. This shows welcoming and charming fruit on the nose, black cherryThis is 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc, from 2 hectares of vines, on soils of gravel perhaps two metres deep, over deeper clay. This shows welcoming and charming fruit on the nose, black cherry and currant, with touches of tar and liquorice, all nicely perfumed. The palate is fresh, dark and nicely polished, with layers of black cherry, currant, slate and black pepper, all of which comes underpinned by a fine grip of tannins, which carries this through to the end, which is wrapped in finely powdery tannins. A delicious and very approachable Pomerol, with salted black fruits set in a lightly silky texture, with a juicy substance. The tannins are a particular delight; a great result here, from the hand of estate manager Guillaume Thienpont. The alcohol is about 14%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.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 2023 La Chenade is pure Merlot. Last year contained 20% Cabernet Franc, but this year, Noëmie Durantou blended it into the Les Cruzelles cuvée. Picked on September 13 and matured in 40% new oak,The 2023 La Chenade is pure Merlot. Last year contained 20% Cabernet Franc, but this year, Noëmie Durantou blended it into the Les Cruzelles cuvée. Picked on September 13 and matured in 40% new oak, this is noticeably reductive on the nose. It’s quite intense, although perhaps missing amplitude usually bestowed by the Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied with a lovely texture and a keen line of acidity, lightly spiced with gentle grip on the slightly savory finish. Very satisfying in the mouth, this is a sensual La Chenade that will provide for delicious early drinking. Drinking range: 2027 - 2050 Rating: 89-91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 L'Eglise Clinet unwinds in the glass with brooding aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with baking chocolate, pipe tobacco and toasty new oak. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, withThe 2023 L'Eglise Clinet unwinds in the glass with brooding aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with baking chocolate, pipe tobacco and toasty new oak. Full-bodied, layered and muscular, with a sweet core of fruit framed by rich, powdery, generously extracted tannin, it's broad-shouldered and powerful, concluding with a long, expansive finish. It's a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that checks in at 14.6% alcohol. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 La Petite Eglise comes from two plots near the village of Pomerol, augmented by the youngest vines in front of the château. It comprises 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, picked fromThe 2023 La Petite Eglise comes from two plots near the village of Pomerol, augmented by the youngest vines in front of the château. It comprises 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, picked from September 9 to 14, the Franc on the last day. Matured in 82% new oak, this is initially quite backward on the nose, demanding a bit of aeration in the glass. Quite pure and floral, it only reluctantly opens. The palate is medium-bodied and very pure, with fine-boned tannins. The new oak is vocal toward the finish, lending a smooth veneer that will be subsumed with time in bottle. This is very fine, but allow it a few years in bottle. Drinking range: 2028 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 4/6/2024

The 2023 Les Cruzelles is a potent, deep wine. The 2023 has all the Cabernet Francs from the Lalande-de-Pomerol estate blended with Merlots that were particularly abundant. Pretty floral and savoryThe 2023 Les Cruzelles is a potent, deep wine. The 2023 has all the Cabernet Francs from the Lalande-de-Pomerol estate blended with Merlots that were particularly abundant. Pretty floral and savory notes from the Franc give this mid-weight, dynamic, vibrant Lalande-de-Pomerol tons of charm. I especially admire its energy. Readers will want to give this a few years in bottle. Drinking range: 2028 - 2043 Rating: 91-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

Release date: 3/6/2024

The 2023 Rouget is plush, silky and super-expressive. All the elements are impeccably balanced. Crushed flowers, spice, red/purplish fruit, mint and blood orange build nicely with time in the glass.The 2023 Rouget is plush, silky and super-expressive. All the elements are impeccably balanced. Crushed flowers, spice, red/purplish fruit, mint and blood orange build nicely with time in the glass. Sensual and refined, Rouget is terrific in 2023. Rouget has always been a pretty extroverted Saint-Émilion. These days, picking a bit earlier and a touch of stem inclusion (30%) in the Merlots yields a bit more freshness, but there is still plenty of the textural richness that is such a signature here. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.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

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

I find sweet blackcurrant fruits on the nose, layered with smoke, black pepper and liquorice, on the nose of the 2023 Gazin. The palate follows this rather promising start with layers of sweet blackI find sweet blackcurrant fruits on the nose, layered with smoke, black pepper and liquorice, on the nose of the 2023 Gazin. The palate follows this rather promising start with layers of sweet black fruits, white peach, peony and thyme, underpinned by ripe tannins which pervade the palate and persist into the finish. Lots of rich character here, with the salty fruit confidence of the vintage, and fine grip. This is an impressive showing for Gazin, and makes this an interesting prospect for the cellar. Tasted twice. Rating: 93-95 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 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

The blend of the grand vin is 21% Cabernet Franc and 79% Merlot. A beautiful nose, blackberry, currant and dark chocolate, with a bright, pure and linear definition to the fruit. The palate is veryThe blend of the grand vin is 21% Cabernet Franc and 79% Merlot. A beautiful nose, blackberry, currant and dark chocolate, with a bright, pure and linear definition to the fruit. The palate is very convincing, with a deliciously poised texture, velvety but with a sinewy frame, carrying dark and pure fruits, blackcurrant and even a touch of blueberry, sweet and polished, with savoury edges of tobacco, tar and liquorice, underpinned by a fine-grained substance, the tannins fresh and correct, helped by the reinforcing acidity. Very easy and comfortable in its own skin, but with pure fruit and delineated structure, this is a deceptive L’Évangile, harmoniously composed now but with a long grip of ripe tannins that says this will go for years. And then more years. Superb. The alcohol is 14.6% on analysis. Rating: 95-97 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

67 Merlot, 34 Cabernet Franc, 3 Cabernet Sauvignon This red-toned Nénin has terrific brightness, crisp fruit, and superb tannins.  The overall feel is of a wine with lip-smacking intensity but no67 Merlot, 34 Cabernet Franc, 3 Cabernet Sauvignon This red-toned Nénin has terrific brightness, crisp fruit, and superb tannins.  The overall feel is of a wine with lip-smacking intensity but no excess weight.  The fruit spectrum delves into all red and purple hues, from mulberries to violets, crimson cherries to tantalising pomegranates. Underneath all this action lives breath-taking steeliness in the form of brittle acidity.  The finish is minutes long and perfectly balanced, with fine-grained tannins barely perceptible.  While this sensual wine might appear to possess a soft exterior, the fine line of high tensile fruit in its core is impressive and will arm it for a long life ahead. Rating: 18.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2024)

Medium plus to full intensity this is inky, with gorgeous violet reflections, grilled oak on the nose, intense but has good construction and a sense of reserve, Espresso and charred coffee bean,Medium plus to full intensity this is inky, with gorgeous violet reflections, grilled oak on the nose, intense but has good construction and a sense of reserve, Espresso and charred coffee bean, along with cassis and blueberry, silky, concentrated, appellation typicity, and a ton of personality. Drinking range: 2030 - 2042 Rating: 94 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

An aromatic wine with violets, oranges and blackberries. Similar flavors on the palate, with creamy tannins with a hint of terra-cotta. I like the quality of the tannins. 80% merlot and 20% cabernetAn aromatic wine with violets, oranges and blackberries. Similar flavors on the palate, with creamy tannins with a hint of terra-cotta. I like the quality of the tannins. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (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)