Pomerol & SatellitesChâteau Clinet
85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc.
“Very attractive nose, sweet red and black fruits with lovely definition. A full-bodied style, opulent with good freshness. Wonderfully easy with excellent balance of fruit and oak. This has a real juicy impact, depth and concentration, though not over the top. The fruit-filled finish lingers.” Drink from 2022. Genesis score 18+.
“A spectacular success in this vintage, this blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc achieved 15% natural alcohol. Sadly, there are only 3,400 cases primarily because of the small Merlot crop (yields were only 29 hectoliters per hectare). The wine’s opaque purple color is followed by an extraordinary bouquet of boysenberries, blueberries, black currants, licorice, truffles and a hint of asphalt. The wine possesses great intensity, a multidimensional mouthfeel, stunning glycerin and richness, and wonderful freshness as well as precision because of the vintage conditions. This massive Pomerol will age effortlessly for 30-35 years. Equaling what Clinet achieved in 1989 and 1990, it is the third successive great vintage for this estate.” 95-98 Robert Parker
“Tasted somewhere (but I cannot remember exactly where) the Clinet 2010 has a precocious nose that soon settles in the glass: very pure dark cherry and blueberry fruit with touches of black olive and vanilla, building in intensity but remaining composed. The palate is full-bodied with ripe “clingy” tannins that do not want to let go and yet the texture of smooth and seductive. Don’t be fooled by the first half. Those tannins kick in towards the second with a surprising dry, taut, tar-tinged finish. This is a complex Clinet that will really show its true colours after bottling. Well done Ronan!” Tasted March 2011. 94-96 Neil Martin
“Blackish crimson. Such ripeness it’s almost cheesy on the nose. Then very firm on the palate – verging on inkiness. A real backbone here! This wine’s two faces don’t seem to be talking to each other yet. It may get there in the end…?” 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“Rich and fleshy, with a cocoa powder frame to the blueberry, raspberry and dark plum fruit. Long, with some muscle, yet stays graceful overall.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Nothing on the palate and then all of a sudden it blasts off on the finish. Superb Clinet. Full and velvety. Juicy.”
95-96 James Suckling
Château La Conseillante
80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
“Lovely ripe, rich nose with pure blackcurrant fruit and light mineral notes. It possess depth in fruit and in structure, a wealth of sweet blackberry and black cherry fruits, with a hint of oak. Extravagantly rich, pure, and with good definition. The tannins overlap wonderfully on the palate, creating good feel and length on the finish. A very good wine.”Drink from 2023. Genesis score 18+.
“A monumental La Conseillante, the 2010 completes a remarkable decade for this estate. Quintessentially floral, this dense purple-colored effort reveals sweet flowery black raspberry and blueberry liqueur notes, more power, muscle and concentration than most vintages and exquisite elegance, purity and personality. Serious tannin lurks beneath the surface, but the overall impression is of a medium to full-bodied, strikingly deep, beautifully pure, well-balanced wine. Give it 3-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30+.” 95-98 Robert Parker
“Cropped between 16th September and 5th October at 39hl/ha, the La Conseillante ’10 has a very pretty nose where the Merlot seems to be more dominant than the Merlot at first with some lovely wild strawberry and raspberry scents. But with time in the glass, the Cabernet Franc makes its impression with some delicate, leafy notes coming through, a hint of truffle. The palate is simply gorgeous with supple tannins, harmonious dark berry fruits interlaced with dark plum and a hint of mocha, very good weight and persistency towards the finish. This is an outstanding follow-up to the awesome 2009.” Tasted April 2011. 94-96 Neil Martin
“Shows impressive power and purity, with waves of blueberry, fig and spice notes backed by black tea and graphite. Velvety and very long, this has some power in reserve, but it's really silky. A beauty.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Dark crimson. Racy, lifted nose, verging on tea and treacle, but on the palate there seems no excess of acidity. Solid 21st-century thick right-bank Merlot. Solid and complete with real density. Actually on the finish it does seem to be built for the long term. Just a little astringent on the very end, but overall pretty satiny.” 17.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“The nose is exuberant, with pure violets and berries. Insane. This is so straight and racy, with super fine tannins and a long, long finish. There is a minimalist clarity to the wine. Superb.” 97-98 James Suckling
Clos L’Eglise
90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
“Another superb vintage for this acclaimed property. Wonderful black fruit aromas with some floral notes and a touch of crème de cassis. Pure and sexy with rich black and blue fruits on the palate. Very intense and so concentrated, yet voluptuous and silky at the same time.” Drink from 2025. Genesis score 18.5+.
“The Garcin family has made so many top vintages of Clos l’Eglise since taking over this estate in the late nineties that it is difficult to say 2010 will turn out better than 2009, 2005, 2000 or 1998, but it is unquestionably a top-flight effort for both the vintage and the appellation. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this full-bodied wine exhibits a dense purple color, a sweet perfume of jammy boysenberries and black currants, oak, truffles and caramel. This opulent, deep yet powerful Pomerol possesses fresh acids and tremendous precision. Enjoy it over the next 15-20 years. By the way, a second wine, the forward, up-front 2010 Esprit de l’Eglise, also performed well.”
92-95 Robert Parker
“Tasted three times including at Barde-Haut, this has a precocious, lifted peppermint-tinged bouquet with black cherries, briary, juniper and a touch of blueberry. Good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, good balance but quite introspective on the tannic, grippy finish. This is a more masculine Clos l’Eglise than recent vintages, one that will repay long-term cellaring.” Tasted April 2011. 93-95 Neil Martin
“A note of green is apparent even on the nose. Drying tannins. Almost wood shavings.” 15/20 Jancis Robinson
“Dark and winey, with lots of cassis and blackberry notes and ample layers of velvety tannins and cocoa. A bit grippy on the finish, but plenty long.” 90-93 James Molesworth
“The quality of the tannins in this young red is superb, with a texture of velvet. Full and yummy.” 92-93 James Suckling
Esprit de L’Eglise
“Very pure black fruit nose, supple and elegant. On the palate these attractive black fruits are very upfront and the tannins create texture that is very warming and soft. The finish is long and very persistent. A very complete 2nd wine.” Drink from 2018. Genesis score 16.5+.
“The Second Wine of Clos l’Eglise is very ripe on the nose with scents of black cherries, iodine and a touch of crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied, quite toasty with grippy tannins, slightly lower acidity with a dry, tannic finish.” Tasted April 2011. 86-88 Neil Martin
“Velvety plum sauce, fig and cassis fruit flavors are backed by a lightly firm edge of cocoa and tobacco. Almost chewy in the end, but with enough polish.”90-93 James Molesworth
Château Le Moulin
80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.
“Very easy on the nose, round ripe red fruits with perfumed notes of violet too. The palate is full-bodied and round with light toasted tannins. The texture is mouth-warming and very inviting. The acidity comes through more on the finish helping balance the wealth of fruit and create a lasting experience. Very good.” Drink from 2019. Genesis score 17+.
“From lawyer and judge Michel Querre, Le Moulin is a somewhat under the radar Pomerol that I have always found to have a kinship to Le Pin, if only because of its exuberant exoticism. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2010 reveals layers of fruitcake, spice box, plum, black currant and cherry characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, deep and already irresistible, it may have slightly high acids and a lower pH than usual, but it is a big, loaded Pomerol that should drink well for 12-15+ years.” 92-94 Robert Parker
“Sweet black cherry nose – as though it weren’t 2010! A bit simple and gassy but covers the bases. Greenish finish.” 16/20 Jancis Robinson
“Sleek and restrained, with a gorgeous mouthfeel, as silky tannins are already lengthy, carrying the spice, linzer torte, crushed cherry and red currant fruit. A classy wine.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Some good fruit, with firm tannins and lots of oak. Chewy.” 87-88 James Suckling
Château Moulinet
90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
“Very perfumed on the nose, floral notes of violet and cassis with a little reduction. Very fresh and juicy on the palate with red and black fruits in abundance – more dark plum and blackberry. The tannins are ripe and unforced. There is good acidity and lasting fruit. The finish is persistent with the fruit on show”. Drink from 2020 Genesis score 16+.
“Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this is a little jammy on the nose with macerated dark cherries, raspberry jam and just a touch of white flowers. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly abrasive tannins on the entry, although the finish is more harmonious with some attractive peppery black fruits and a commendable linearity. Just the nose that lets it down, but the palate is attractive.” Tasted April 2011.
89-91 Neil Martin
“Deep crimson. Lots of energy and very deep crimson. Some succulence. Tar and liquorice on the finish. Lots of energy. Some sweet fruit too.” 16/20 Jancis Robinson
“I really like the quality of the tannins with a lovely precision to them. Full yet reserved and a long finish.”
90-91 James Suckling
Château Nenin
“Lovely black fruits on the nose with some oak evident. The palate is rich on the back palate, full-bodied with toasty tannins. With wonderful purity and great structure, a little spice comes through with seasoned oak. A long vibrant finish with some warmth too.” Drink from 2018. Genesis score 16.5+.
“An 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc blend that hit 13.9% natural alcohol, the 2010 Nenin is a full-bodied, deep plum/purple-colored wine with loads of sweet boysenberry, black currant and cherry notes, as well as hints of earth and spring flowers. Broad and deep, it could turn out to be one of the best-made wines from this estate. It will drink well for 15 or more years.” 90-92 Robert Parker
“The Chateau Nenin was cropped at 37hl/ha and is a blend of 82% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc including 20% of vin de presse. It delivers 13.9% alcohol with a pH 3.67 and will be raised in one-third new oak. It is tightly wound on the nose at first, pure blackberry, macerated black cherries, a hint of cassis and vanilla all with fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins on the entry, good weight but quite dry and very tannic on the finish. I am concerned that the vin de presse may have been a little excessive? I would err on the side of caution before bottling and we will see then.” Tasted March 2011. 88-90? Neil Martin
“Superfleshy but very direct, with long, racy raspberry ganache and red currant notes. Almost flashy, but stays focused through the long finish.” 92-95 James Molesworth
“Owned by the Delons of Léoville-Las-Cases. Lots of savour on the nose for a Pomerol. It must be such fun making it from St-Julien..! Ripe tobacco leaves. Very sweet and polished, but without quite enough race and life. Just a bit heavy. And very drying tannins on the end. “16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“Bright and fruity with raspberries and blueberries. Full and silky, with a long and caressing finish. Lovely wine already.” 92-93 James Suckling
Château Petit Village
75% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon.
“Spice notes come forward on the nose followed by uber-ripe cherry and raspberry fruits – very fragrant on the finish. Medium to full-bodied in style, the palate is full with red and black fruits, a hint of ginger, some cinnamon spice and a little oak. The mouth feel is velvety, soft and round with a fruit focused, long, and persistent finish. Drink from 2021. Genesis score 17+.
“The finest wine from this estate since their glorious 1982, the 2010 Petit Village possesses aromas of licorice, black cherries, cassis, truffles and oak. Powerful and deep with a corpulent texture, a silky mouthfeel and a wonderful lushness, it will be drinkable in 2-3 years and last for 15 or more.” 90-92 Robert Parker
“Tasted at Pichon Baron. A blend of 18% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Merlot, this has a relatively understated nose with dark cherries, a touch of truffle and blackberry leaf. The palate is full-bodied with grippy tannins, a voluminous Petit-Village, quite assertive, perhaps just a little aggressive on the tannic finish at the moment. Masculine and bold, I did not warm to this PV as much as I anticipated. Let’s see after bottling.” Drink 2015- Tasted March 2011. 90-92 Neil Martin
“Crushed plum, raspberry and cassis flavors glide along silky, refined tannins, with a suave finish that has a polished edge.” 89-92 James Molesworth
“Tasted at Pichon Longueville 7 Apr: ‘As part of our efforts to spruce things up here we re-identified Cabernet Sauvignon as Cabernet Franc.’ Very dense and rich. Sweet but a bit austere on the end. Not much palate breadth.” 16.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“What a change here with impressive polished tannins and lots of blueberry, milk chocolate and polished tannnins. It goes on for long time on the palate. Much more precise winemaking.” 93-94 James Suckling
Vieux Château Certan
“Lifted bouquet of black plum, cherry, blackberry and currant - some lifted spice with notes of liquorice and a little mint too. Glorious! Lovely concentration and purity, so voluptuous and so round. Lots of vibrant red fruits on the palate with a touch of white pepper. The tannins are firm giving the wine structure and depth, but not over the top. A profound VCC with a pure finish that goes on and on.” Drink from 2025. Genesis score 18.5+.
“Alexandre Thienpont thinks 2010 is even more powerful and tannic than 2009. This is certainly a big wine, dominated by its Merlot component (86%, with the rest mostly Cabernet Franc). The natural alcohol level is 14.5%, slightly above 2009, but the pH is a healthy 3.7, and the wine, like so many 2010s, is a paradox. The alcohols are often the highest ever yet the acidities are fresh and lively, and the wine crisp and refined. This is a deep purple-colored wine, with loads of opulence and fat, a voluptuous texture and tremendous purity. The style is a modern-day version of what they probably achieved in 1947, 1949 and 1950. Thienpont attributes the wine’s freshness to the lack of any real heat wave, the drought, and the very cool nights in September. This wine should drink well for 20-40 years.”
96-98 Robert Parker
“A blend of 86% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon cropped between 27th September and 5th October, the Vieux Chateau Certan delivers 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. It is presently being raised in 75% new oak. The nose is very refined with touches of blackberry, raspberry, black truffle and dark cherries with wonderful delineation considering the alcohol level. The palate is very well balanced with beautiful poise, perhaps more focused than the 2009 at this stage. Wonderful mineralité, there is superb precision and energy is this nascent VCC. Just superb.” Tasted April 2011. 96-98 Neil Martin
“A Merlot vintage; only 8% Cabernet Franc. Average IPT is 90, with lots of acid. Very dark crimson. Pretty floral and scented and pretty. Very concentrated and intense. Lots of minerals on the finish. Lovely rich satisfying undertow. Hint of ripe pears oddly enough. Lovely completeness. Great balance and build. Very, very long. The strongest right-bank wine so far. Excellent layers. Very serious – a marvellously intellectual Merlot!” 18.5/20 Jancis Robinson
“Super broad and muscular, with lots of dark fig, currant and chocolate notes. A smoky tobacco edge on the back end is starting to emerge, and this begins to gush linzer torte and cassis with air. A very big wine. One of the stars of the appellation in 2010. 86 percent Merlot, 8 percent Cabernet Franc and 6 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, almost the same as 2009.” 96-99 James Molesworth
“This is off the charts. I am blown away. This is so concentrated yet perfect. With chocolate, blackberry, coffee. Full and amazing in density and balanced. The grapes were tiny and the production was tiny. I am speechless. This may match the legendary 1947 or 1945. “100 James Suckling
