Pomerol & Lalande de Pomerol

Release date: 2/5/2024

Bursting with aromas of dark berries, plums, cherries and licorice, the 2023 Blason de l'Evangile is medium-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with a supple, succulent palate framed by velvety tannins.Bursting with aromas of dark berries, plums, cherries and licorice, the 2023 Blason de l'Evangile is medium-bodied, fleshy and seamless, with a supple, succulent palate framed by velvety tannins. Rating: 89-91 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (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

The grand vin from Nenin is 67% Merlot, with 30% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the first time the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon has gone this high, picked between September 9th andThe grand vin from Nenin is 67% Merlot, with 30% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, the first time the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon has gone this high, picked between September 9th and 28th. The yield was 46 hl/ha, from 26.5 hectares, higher than most recent vintages. The blend includes 7% press wine. The nose is expressive and enticing, with floral notes to the fore, violets, pencil shavings and graphite, the Cabernet showing through quite strongly. The palate feels open and nicely composed, with a gently stitched together sense of harmony, easing into a rather easy-going midpalate, with juicy fruit draped over a framework of dry, lightly grippy tannins. A charming and approachable example of the Pomerol appellation. The alcohol is reported to be 13.39%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc; this takes all the Cabernet Franc this year, as well as more Merlot to match. The Merlot was picked from September 11th until the 16th, the CabernetsThe blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc; this takes all the Cabernet Franc this year, as well as more Merlot to match. The Merlot was picked from September 11th until the 16th, the Cabernets immediately afterwards. The aromatics here have an expressive Cabernet Franc richness, with perfumed violets, toast and red pepper. This translates onto a palate with a finely polished core of griottes and blackcurrants, with black pepper and toast, over a frame of ripe tannins which provide a firm structure for the fruit. This is a convincing Les Cruzelles this year, perhaps one of the best I have tasted. Well done. The alcohol is 14.5% on analysis. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 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)

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)

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)

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)

Revealing aromas of dark berries, cassis and cherries, the 2023 Gazin is medium to full-bodied, firm and compact, with a dense core of fruit framed by chewy tannins.Revealing aromas of dark berries, cassis and cherries, the 2023 Gazin is medium to full-bodied, firm and compact, with a dense core of fruit framed by chewy tannins. Rating: 88-90 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)

The purity and precision tof this young Eglise Clinet is exceptional, with finesse, intensity and fine tannins that last for minutes on the palate. It grows slowly and then builds and continues. TheThe purity and precision tof this young Eglise Clinet is exceptional, with finesse, intensity and fine tannins that last for minutes on the palate. It grows slowly and then builds and continues. The energy is terrific. Finishes long and confident. All about structure with finesse. The tannins really are refined and tightly woven. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 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)

The 2023 La Pointe is a supple, fruity wine Pomerol endowed with good depth. Today, the aromatics are not pristine, but I suspect a less-than-perfect sample is the culprit. The style is one ofThe 2023 La Pointe is a supple, fruity wine Pomerol endowed with good depth. Today, the aromatics are not pristine, but I suspect a less-than-perfect sample is the culprit. The style is one of forward fruit and supple, generous contours. Drinking range: 2028 - 2043 Rating: 89-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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)

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)

The 2023 Le Pin is another strong effort for this small Pomerol winery, wafting from the glass with aromas of wild berries, violets, exotic spices and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, polishedThe 2023 Le Pin is another strong effort for this small Pomerol winery, wafting from the glass with aromas of wild berries, violets, exotic spices and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, polished and suave, it's velvety and refined, with attractive purity of fruit, lively acids and a long, gently vanillin-inflected finish. It's the result of multiple harvests, starting with young vines, between September 11 and 23. Rating: 94-96 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 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)

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)

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)

The 2023 Clos l'Église presents a gorgeous contrast of intense dark fruit against a mineral backbone that confers energy. There's a ton of nuance here. Graphite, crushed rocks, plum, mocha, spice,The 2023 Clos l'Église presents a gorgeous contrast of intense dark fruit against a mineral backbone that confers energy. There's a ton of nuance here. Graphite, crushed rocks, plum, mocha, spice, leather and dried herbs are all vividly sketched. There's a bit more Cabernet Franc in this year's blend, as one of the Merlot parcels is being replanted. That results in an especially nuanced Clos l'Église that captures the best the year had to offer. Drinking range: 2028 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)

The 2023 La Petite Eglise is a serious, deep wine. It is one of the few second wines in Bordeaux that needs some time in bottle to be at its best. Dark-toned fruit, graphite, leather, menthol, spiceThe 2023 La Petite Eglise is a serious, deep wine. It is one of the few second wines in Bordeaux that needs some time in bottle to be at its best. Dark-toned fruit, graphite, leather, menthol, spice and incense lend this large-scaled Pomerol a ton of distinction. A dollop of Franc (10%) adds tension and vibrancy. Drinking range: 2028 - 2043 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 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)

This is very long and tight with wonderful al-dente fruit, such as blackberry and orange peel. Fine tannins run the length of the wine, keeping it fresh and vivid at the end. 97% merlot and 3%This is very long and tight with wonderful al-dente fruit, such as blackberry and orange peel. Fine tannins run the length of the wine, keeping it fresh and vivid at the end. 97% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. Rating: 95-96 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2024)

The 2023 Vieux Château Certan is like a drug. Its exotic aromatics, deeply layered fruit and sublime textures are just captivating. I tasted the 2023 from an assembled base blend and four coreThe 2023 Vieux Château Certan is like a drug. Its exotic aromatics, deeply layered fruit and sublime textures are just captivating. I tasted the 2023 from an assembled base blend and four core components. Every wine was nothing short of breathtaking. When I think of the archetypes of greatness in Bordeaux, VCC is one of them. The 2023 is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Like all producers, Alexandre and Guillaume were forced to decide whether to pick their Cabernets before or after the September rains. As it turned out, none of the lots picked before the rain made it into the Grand Vin. Only those picked later were deemed of high enough quality. Drinking range: 2031 - 2063 Rating: 96-98 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2024)