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

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

Fresh floral heights to the aromatics, then dark berry fruits and a core of muscles of the palate, classically-weighted with grip and texture, white pepper spice and salted cracker salinity on theFresh floral heights to the aromatics, then dark berry fruits and a core of muscles of the palate, classically-weighted with grip and texture, white pepper spice and salted cracker salinity on the finish. Stretches out through the palate, feels gloriously old school, full of hidden depths and pleasures. 43hl/h yield, harvest September 18 through to 29. Youngest vines here are 1988, which helps give the complexity that is so celebrated at VCC. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2024)

Release date: 7/6/2024

The 2023 Clinet was picked from September 13 to 26 at 42hL/ha and aged in 80% new oak. It has a very appealing bouquet, quite pure with vivacious red cherries, crushed strawberry and violet scents.The 2023 Clinet was picked from September 13 to 26 at 42hL/ha and aged in 80% new oak. It has a very appealing bouquet, quite pure with vivacious red cherries, crushed strawberry and violet scents. The oak is neatly integrated. This is almost Saint-Émilion in style. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and a fine bead of acidity, lightly spiced with a crisp and linear finish. This is a delightful, composed Clinet that should drink well after four to five years. Drinking range: 2027 - 2047 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, 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

Guillaume Thienpont harvested the 2023 Guillot Clauzel a few days later than Vieux Château Certan, as is generally the case, and he has once again produced an excellent wine, redolent of dark berriesGuillaume Thienpont harvested the 2023 Guillot Clauzel a few days later than Vieux Château Certan, as is generally the case, and he has once again produced an excellent wine, redolent of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of rose petals, pencil shavings and mint. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's supple and refined, with a vibrant core of fruit and a long, pure finish. It's once again a blend of Merlot complemented by 17% Cabernet Franc. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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 2023 Le Gay is intensely aromatic, floral and quite pretty. Crushed flowers, spice, mint, herbs, licorice and tobacco meld into a core of dark red/purplish berry fruit. All the elements are veryThe 2023 Le Gay is intensely aromatic, floral and quite pretty. Crushed flowers, spice, mint, herbs, licorice and tobacco meld into a core of dark red/purplish berry fruit. All the elements are very nicely balanced in this stylish, mid-weight Pomerol from the Parent family. The 2023 is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc vinified entirely in 100% new French oak barrels. Élevage is projected to be 14 months, about 2 months shorter than normal. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.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

Bright vivid colour; raspberry fruits on the first attack, shot though with grilled cedar, salted caramel, liqourice and gentle acidities, unfussy and enjoyable. 40% new oak, harvest September 13,Bright vivid colour; raspberry fruits on the first attack, shot though with grilled cedar, salted caramel, liqourice and gentle acidities, unfussy and enjoyable. 40% new oak, harvest September 13, 40% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2027 - 2037 Rating: 90 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 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

In 2023 this comes from the usual selection of parcels, and it is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was picked from September 9th, the Cabernet Franc on the 14th. I like theIn 2023 this comes from the usual selection of parcels, and it is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The Merlot was picked from September 9th, the Cabernet Franc on the 14th. I like the Cabernet aromatics here, as even though it is only 10% of the blend it presents a core of perfumed griottes and wild violets which speak clearly of Cabernet Franc. The palate is beautifully silky and elegant, with a sweet texture of fruit, silky and medium-bodied, with an underpinning of rich tannins. This works very well, although it will need quite a few years in the cellar to absorb these tannins. The alcohol is 14.4% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (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 2023 Beauregard is a sleek, racy Pomerol. Spice, new leather and floral top notes meld into a core of dark-toned fruit. This is the second year in which the wine includes a portion of CabernetThe 2023 Beauregard is a sleek, racy Pomerol. Spice, new leather and floral top notes meld into a core of dark-toned fruit. This is the second year in which the wine includes a portion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 2006. Firm tannins make themselves felt on the sustained finish. Drinking range: 2030 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 23/5/2024

A very tight and focused red with racy tannins and a linear, racy texture. It’s medium-bodied with excellent energy and plenty of blackberry and olive flavors. Very long finish. 14% alcohol. 3.7 pH.A very tight and focused red with racy tannins and a linear, racy texture. It’s medium-bodied with excellent energy and plenty of blackberry and olive flavors. Very long finish. 14% alcohol. 3.7 pH. 70% merlot and 30% cabernet franc. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 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 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

The 2023 L'Évangile was picked from September 4 to 28 at 42hL/ha, which is the highest for many years. Matured in 50% new oak (including 15 foudres) and 8% in amphoras (my sample only from usedThe 2023 L'Évangile was picked from September 4 to 28 at 42hL/ha, which is the highest for many years. Matured in 50% new oak (including 15 foudres) and 8% in amphoras (my sample only from used barrels), this has a very floral and precise bouquet with dark red fruit, blueberry, hints of blood orange and light sous-bois scents. It's very L'Evangile. The palate is medium-bodied with filigree tannins. Crisp and precise, there’s fine tension toward the finish with a lingering black pepper note. This is a lovely L'Évangile that deserves five or six years in bottle. It will be worth the wait. Drinking range: 2029 - 2055 Rating: 94-96 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Release date: 30/4/2024

The 2023 Nenin is very attractive, bursting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, dark berries, rose petals and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple palate that's pureThe 2023 Nenin is very attractive, bursting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, dark berries, rose petals and spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple palate that's pure and sensual, with a succulent core of fruit, sweet tannin and an immensely charming profile that promises a broad drinking window. Rating: 93-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Feytit-Clinet is fabulous. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, the 2023 offers up a heady mix of blue/black fruit, gravel, chocolate, scorched earth, lavender and liquified rocks. Feytit-ClinetThe 2023 Feytit-Clinet is fabulous. Rich and sumptuous in the glass, the 2023 offers up a heady mix of blue/black fruit, gravel, chocolate, scorched earth, lavender and liquified rocks. Feytit-Clinet is often a rich, structured Pomerol, but in 2023, the tannins are totally woven into the wine's fabric, making for a wine that marries power with finesse. Clean mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly. The 2023 will see 14-15 months in oak—70% new and 30% once-used barrels. Yields were a healthy 42 hectoliters per hectare. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2030 - 2048 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

Peony floral aromatics, showcases some of the easy pleasure that La Pointe has long been able to deliver, with waves of pomegrante, creamy blackberry fruit, and the cocoa bean dusting of Pomerol.Peony floral aromatics, showcases some of the easy pleasure that La Pointe has long been able to deliver, with waves of pomegrante, creamy blackberry fruit, and the cocoa bean dusting of Pomerol. Tannins are supple. A successful handling of the 2023 vintage from director Eric Monneret and winemaker Pierre Candelier. Drinking range: 2029 - 2042 Rating: 93-100 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 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)