Pomerol & Lalande de Pomerol
There’s usually more trepidation in this part of Bordeaux when you know there was an abundance of heat to contend with. When nature offers no relief, over-extraction and one-dimensional will usually pepper tasting notes but, similar to its neighbouring commune Saint-Émilion, Pomerol had a terrific vintage. Any heat was countered by cool evenings and rainfall at all the right moments and underground, the gravel, sand and clay held that water in reserve for the rainless days. Left and right bank Châteaux, all hailed the success of Merlot in 2022.
Given that Pomerol is predominantly Merlot, it would account for the very broad smiles from Constance and Noëmie Durantou at L’ Église Clinet where we tasted across the range (Chenade, Cruzelles, Montlandrie and Petite Église) - beautifully crafted wines with precision, freshness and needle-like tannins. Evidence that the late Denis Durantou’s intelligent connection with the terroir has been inherited.
It goes without saying that Le Pin was, just as Le Pin should be – brilliant (as the price will be, no doubt). Jacques Thienpont was modestly relaxed. “We had all the time in the world to harvest (5-10 days). All the right maturity and very supple tannins.” It will bring great pleasure for eons.
Vieux Château Certan (a further Thienpont peg in this commune) produced another wonderful effort. I’ve never not loved this wine, at any stage and given there was no spittoon present, it was evident they knew it just needed to be swallowed - which it was.
At Clinet, Nénin, L’Évangile and La Conseillante, it was a similar story. A unique and very promising vintage.
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L&S Recommendations
L&S 'best buy' recommendations are marked with this symbol .
2022 CHÂTEAU GUILLOT CLAUZEL Pomerol
Release date: 22/6/2023
The best wine that Guillaume Thienpont has produced to date at this small estate is the 2022 Guillot Clauzel, an attractive blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc that exhibits aromas ofThe best wine that Guillaume Thienpont has produced to date at this small estate is the 2022 Guillot Clauzel, an attractive blend of 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc that exhibits aromas of blackberries, violets, iris and sweet soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished, with supple tannins and a suave, seamless, perfumed profile, Thienpont's decision to reduce the amount of new oak used to only 30% makes for even greater purity and expressiveness. Rating: 93-95 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE Pomerol
Release date: 22/6/2023
Deep inky colour, crushed rose petal and peony, such a beautiful wine, with waves of blueberry and cassis fruit, along with liqourice root, lemongrass, slate and saffran, and one of the clearDeep inky colour, crushed rose petal and peony, such a beautiful wine, with waves of blueberry and cassis fruit, along with liqourice root, lemongrass, slate and saffran, and one of the clear standout successes of Pomerol. 95% 1st wine this year, with just 5% for Duo de La Conseillante. Slow progress through the palate, this has vintage character but leans into it. 70% new oak, 3.65ph. Harvest 5 to 20. Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 97 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2023)
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2022 VIEUX CHÂTEAU CERTAN Pomerol
Release date: 21/6/2023
Firm tannic frame, with ink, graphite, violet flowers and red roses, even hints of black truffles at this young age, a sign of the exuberance of the vintage and one that will no doubt increase withFirm tannic frame, with ink, graphite, violet flowers and red roses, even hints of black truffles at this young age, a sign of the exuberance of the vintage and one that will no doubt increase with age. A little less Cabernet Franc in the blend than usual because they have one plot uprooted right now. The aromatics are explosing, but things are more serious on the palate, with grip and austerity, and it will need a good eight to ten years in bottle to soften. Beautiful nutmeg and clove spice, with a mouthwatering finish. 35hl/h yield. 65% new oak. Oldest vines date back to 1958. 75% new oak Drinking range: 2030 - 2050 Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Apr 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU LA VIOLETTE Pomerol
Release date: 20/6/2023
The 2022 La Violette delivers notes of cherries, sweet berries, petals and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and rich palate framed by generously extracted tannins. WhileThe 2022 La Violette delivers notes of cherries, sweet berries, petals and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and rich palate framed by generously extracted tannins. While it's far from a blushing violet, it's comparatively restrained by this estate's standards and represents a well-made wine in its style. Rating: 91-93 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU LE GAY Pomerol
Release date: 20/6/2023
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 100% new oak. 14.5% alc. Bright, juicy and energetic Le Gay comes directly at you, and it doesn’t hesitate in trying to impress. Racy, stylish and undoubtedly90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. 100% new oak. 14.5% alc. Bright, juicy and energetic Le Gay comes directly at you, and it doesn’t hesitate in trying to impress. Racy, stylish and undoubtedly exuberant, some might say this is a little OTT, but it is focused, exacting, and it all makes perfect sense. The blackberry and plum flavours are pure and ripe, and the finish, huge lashings of oak and sterling tannins, are all complete and, believe it or not, in balance. This is a magnificent effort. 18+Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2023)
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2022 BLASON DE L'ÉVANGILE Pomerol Château L'Évangile
Release date: 20/6/2023
A juicy wine with hints of salt and cloves with hazelnuts. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Crunchy. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc.A juicy wine with hints of salt and cloves with hazelnuts. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Crunchy. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU L'ÉVANGILE Pomerol
Release date: 20/6/2023
Given the young average age of this estate's vineyards, its well-draining soils and the extreme vintage, I was a little apprehensive; but the technical team evidently took the conditions in theirGiven the young average age of this estate's vineyards, its well-draining soils and the extreme vintage, I was a little apprehensive; but the technical team evidently took the conditions in their stride, harvesting the east-facing side of the vines (which sees the hottest afternoon sun) four days earlier. The resulting 2022 L'Evangile is beautiful, offering up aromas of raspberries, vine smoke, black truffles, violets and gravely soil. Medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, it's seamless and polished, with a bright core of fruit and powdery tannins that temper 2022's inherent sweetness of fruit to sophisticated effect. At this early stage, it appears that the estate's progress with regards to élevage continues too, as Evangile's creamy oak signature is much released, allowing the fruit—and this superb terroir—to take center stage. It's a blend of 82% Merlot, 17.5% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Rating: 95-97 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU L'ÉGLISE CLINET Pomerol
Release date: 16/6/2023
Offering up deep aromas of mulberries and cassis mingled with incense, licorice, rose petals, spices and hints of new oak, the 2022 L'Eglise Clinet is full-bodied, deep and layered, with an elegantlyOffering up deep aromas of mulberries and cassis mingled with incense, licorice, rose petals, spices and hints of new oak, the 2022 L'Eglise Clinet is full-bodied, deep and layered, with an elegantly muscular core of ripe but vibrant fruit that's framed by sweet, powdery tannins. Concentrated and multidimensional, it concludes with a long, resonant finish. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested between September 3 and 9, this compelling Pomerol checks in at a largely concealed 14.6% alcohol. Rating: 96-98 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Jun 2023)
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2022 CLOS DU CLOCHER Pomerol
Release date: 15/6/2023
A stunning wine in 2022 showcasing star power in Pomerol and delivering one of the appellation’s clear successes. Beautifully fragrant on the nose, fresh and ripe black fruits, purple flowers, milkA stunning wine in 2022 showcasing star power in Pomerol and delivering one of the appellation’s clear successes. Beautifully fragrant on the nose, fresh and ripe black fruits, purple flowers, milk chocolate, salty stones and liquorice. Smooth, sumptuous and seductive in terms of texture - tannins are beautifully chalky and so well integrated - almost effortlessly supporting the concentrated fruit and giving the confident structure. Focussed and detailed but not tight or tense, really quite a special effort. Energy and mouthwatering acidity is in the background but it’s the texture that’s most captivating, velvety, chalky, ripe, fleshy and refined all at once. It manages to be understated in a year where it was easy to be anything but. I love it. 3.6pH. A yield of 39hl/ha. Harvest started on 7 September. Soft extraction with natural yeasts for fermentation. Ageing 55-60% oak barrels, 30% one wine barrels, and 7% in small concrete tanks and wine globes. Second year of organic conversion. Next year, 2024, Clos du Clocher will celebrate its 100 year anniversary having been founded by Jean-Baptiste Audy in 1924. Drinking range: 2028 - 2050 Rating: 97 Georgie Hindle - Decanter (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU PETIT VILLAGE Pomerol
Release date: 15/6/2023
The black berry, dark chocolate and crushed stone character is really pretty. Full-bodied and solid with fine tannins that spread across the palate. Silky and soft at the end. Very long and fine.The black berry, dark chocolate and crushed stone character is really pretty. Full-bodied and solid with fine tannins that spread across the palate. Silky and soft at the end. Very long and fine. Wait and see. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU FEYTIT CLINET Pomerol
Release date: 14/6/2023
Excellent appellation signature, great balance, real depth of flavour, and while there are a ton of tannins here, they are smooth and integrated, concentrated but this is a serious wine, with seriousExcellent appellation signature, great balance, real depth of flavour, and while there are a ton of tannins here, they are smooth and integrated, concentrated but this is a serious wine, with serious ageing potential, and it's absolutely one to look out, damson and black cherry fruit abound, with cocoa bean and incense notes, a buy. 70% new oak. Drinking range: 2027 - 2044 Rating: 95 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU CLINET Pomerol
Release date: 14/6/2023
Sleek, concentrated, red roses, violets, creamy smoked caramel, bilberry, cassis, blackberry pastilles, biscuit, mint leaf, great estate signature, maintains its sleek intense concentated andSleek, concentrated, red roses, violets, creamy smoked caramel, bilberry, cassis, blackberry pastilles, biscuit, mint leaf, great estate signature, maintains its sleek intense concentated and supremely classy character. Strong tannic build up, muscular and full of intent, with a fennel and oyster shell signoff. Ronan Laborde owner. Rating: 96 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU BEAUREGARD Pomerol
Release date: 13/6/2023
The aromas are shimmering in a flattering manner, with clear notes of toast and spice. The tactile aspect of this wine is rounded, with substance of medium intensity that becomes more slender on theThe aromas are shimmering in a flattering manner, with clear notes of toast and spice. The tactile aspect of this wine is rounded, with substance of medium intensity that becomes more slender on the finish, leaving like a trail of seductively forward flavours reminiscent of chocolate and preserved chestnuts. At this stage, this 2022 seems less convincing than the very successful 2020. Rating: 89-91 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)
In Bond
In Bond
2022 CLOS L'ÉGLISE Pomerol
Release date: 12/6/2023
The 2022 Clos l'Eglise is the first vintage blended with 30% Cabernet Franc. It has an intense bouquet with oyster shell-infused black fruit, well-defined and focused, gaining more complexity as itThe 2022 Clos l'Eglise is the first vintage blended with 30% Cabernet Franc. It has an intense bouquet with oyster shell-infused black fruit, well-defined and focused, gaining more complexity as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit tinged with dark chocolate and light graphite notes. With impressive persistence, this Pomerol deserves several years in bottle and should drink well for up to 30 years. Drinking range: 2030 - 2060 Rating: 92-94 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2023)
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2022 LA PETITE ÉGLISE Pomerol
Release date: 9/6/2023
The 2022 La Petite Eglise is quite dense and inward at this stage. The Cabernet Franc is especially dominant today, both in the wine's aromatic profile and overall feel. It's a serious second wineThe 2022 La Petite Eglise is quite dense and inward at this stage. The Cabernet Franc is especially dominant today, both in the wine's aromatic profile and overall feel. It's a serious second wine that demands at least a few years in the cellar. Time in the glass brings out notable fruit richness as the Merlot gains volume to match the aromatic presence and structure of the Franc. Drinking range: 2028 - 2042 Rating: 92-94 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU GAZIN Pomerol
Release date: 8/6/2023
Gazin in never the most sexy of Pomerols at the primeur stage, and this 2022 is no exception. One can nevertheless sense the clear-cut honesty and dynamic orientation of this wine beyond its somewhatGazin in never the most sexy of Pomerols at the primeur stage, and this 2022 is no exception. One can nevertheless sense the clear-cut honesty and dynamic orientation of this wine beyond its somewhat abrupt aspect. Although reduced and austere, the aromas still shows some interesting nuances of mint. Rating: 90-93 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU ROUGET Pomerol
Release date: 7/6/2023
A lavish, ripe style of Pomerol, the 2022 Rouget bursts with aromas of cherry preserve, sweet berries and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple palate that's rich andA lavish, ripe style of Pomerol, the 2022 Rouget bursts with aromas of cherry preserve, sweet berries and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and supple palate that's rich and demonstrative. Readers who gravitate toward overtly jammy wines will appreciate it more than I did, but it is well made in its style. Rating: 90-92 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU NÉNIN Pomerol
Release date: 2/6/2023
64% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Franc. 39% new oak. 14.28% alc. 33 hl/ha. 65 IPT. 3.69 pH. 7% press wine Harvested 1 – 23 September This is a much more concentrated wine than last year’s 2021, with64% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Franc. 39% new oak. 14.28% alc. 33 hl/ha. 65 IPT. 3.69 pH. 7% press wine Harvested 1 – 23 September This is a much more concentrated wine than last year’s 2021, with a superb density of flavour and a darker hue than any Nénin I have seen. Alongside this decadent intensity of black fruit, there is still freshness and crunch, all balanced by invigorating tension throughout. Medium-weight and with admirable power, this is not a spicy wine but a bright, shining style with an almost minty fresh edge that brings in redcurrant top notes above the intensity of the core. Very few tannins are on display, so I anticipate this wine kicking off much earlier in its life than expected. Rating: 18.5 Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU LA POINTE Pomerol
Release date: 1/6/2023
84% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. 50% new oak. 14% alc. I love this La Pointe, not least because it is a bit of Pomerol outlier. The main difference between this wine and previous vintages is the84% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. 50% new oak. 14% alc. I love this La Pointe, not least because it is a bit of Pomerol outlier. The main difference between this wine and previous vintages is the tone of the core fruit. It is a darker, more brooding wine with a darker and more deeply-set palette of flavours. It is also pure, lively and blessed with fine-grained tannins, with exquisite control throughout. Not a big bruiser, nor a showy, oaky wine, but an elegant, indulgent, calm, bright and sensitive La Pointe, and it is my favourite vintage since the glorious 1945 and the outstanding 1961. Rating: 18+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2023)
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2022 LA CHENADE Lalande de Pomerol
Release date: 31/5/2023
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Zesty and fresh, the Cabernet Franc offering an extra dimension this year. Plenty of fruit on the palate but length as well. Tannins ripe and well80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Zesty and fresh, the Cabernet Franc offering an extra dimension this year. Plenty of fruit on the palate but length as well. Tannins ripe and well handled. Should drink well early but could surprise with a bit of time in bottle. Should be GV. (JL) 14.4% Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 16+ James Lawther MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU LES CRUZELLES Lalande de Pomerol
Release date: 31/5/2023
After the Saintayme the Cruzelles is striking for its ease and immediate charm. Really lovely nose with gently ripe black fruit flesh notes and brightening raspberry too. On the palate this is moreAfter the Saintayme the Cruzelles is striking for its ease and immediate charm. Really lovely nose with gently ripe black fruit flesh notes and brightening raspberry too. On the palate this is more open, more expressive, more juicy. A lovely weight, more clearly tells the story of the vintage - but never too much. Chalky, suede-like grip brings it all in neatly. More generous, great impact, cool whiff of fresh mint leaf adds a bright lift to the deeper fruit on the satisfying finish. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Small harvest here in 2022. L&S (Apr 2023)
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2022 ENCLOS TOURMALINE Pomerol Château Enclos Tourmaline
Release date: 15/5/2023
This is really something with black berries, black truffle, black olives and orange peel. Subtle yet powerful and structured. Medium body. Goes on for minutes. 3.5 pH with rich fruit.. Superb.This is really something with black berries, black truffle, black olives and orange peel. Subtle yet powerful and structured. Medium body. Goes on for minutes. 3.5 pH with rich fruit.. Superb. Rating: 97-98 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU LA CROIX SAINT GEORGES Pomerol
Well endowed with substance that has a rather creamy nature, this is coherent and avoids seeming soft despite its low acidity. It already shows expressively spicy flavours.Well endowed with substance that has a rather creamy nature, this is coherent and avoids seeming soft despite its low acidity. It already shows expressively spicy flavours. Rating: 89-91 La Revue du Vin de France (May 2023)
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2022 CHÂTEAU LE PIN Pomerol
Such is the ripeness and richness of the vintage but the wine remains so fresh and balanced. Medium-bodied with subtle and juicy tannins. It's a little fuller-bodied than the perfect 2020 but it isSuch is the ripeness and richness of the vintage but the wine remains so fresh and balanced. Medium-bodied with subtle and juicy tannins. It's a little fuller-bodied than the perfect 2020 but it is just as weightless and gorgeous. Cashmere texture throughout. Only 65% new wood. Rating: 99-100 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (May 2023)
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