13% abv, Vignobles Dubard, imported by Fruit of the Vines, Inc., Long Island City, NY. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: flower day.

Lalande de Pomerol is a small right-bank Bordeaux appellation west from Pomerol proper. According to the Wine Scholar Guild, “the wines of Lalande-de-Pomerol tend to be less aromatic and less structured than the age-worthy Pomerols; they are more characterized by bright berry fruits such as strawberry and raspberry.”

Vignobles Dubard are producers in the SouthWest of France, and are rather proud of their crown jewel in the Lalande. The vineyards occupy an area of 8.50 hectares at Clos des Grands Moines, only 2 km from the famous plateau of Pomerol. “The vineyards are situated on a fabulous gravelly mound containing 10% of clay soils. 25 years old vines. 45 hL/haElimination of non qualitative grapes before picking, alcoholic fermentation and maceration (3 to 4 weeks in total) in temperature-controlled stainless vats”. The cepage for the 2014 vintage is 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc and the wine was aged for 18 months in 30% new French oak.

Tasting note: the Clos des Grands Moines was deep garnet in color with a clean nose of medium intensity with aromas of red fruit, dried strawberry, tobacco and graphite; in all, the nose was bit muddy and shy, but on the palate, this wine shined nicely with a combination of primary, secondary and tertiary flavors. Stucturally, the acid is medium+, tannin high, medium+ body, medium alcohol, pronounced flavor intensity, and a medium+ finish with flavors of cassis, blackberry, crème de caramel, cocoa, charred wood, bitter leather, tobacco, eucalyptus, rosemary, and graphite. Drink now or through 2029, this is on pace to improved and has a nice structure for short-term aging. This wine is very good: 9.1/10.