2009 La Grave a Pomerol

This 2009 is a seductive, fruit-driven style of Pomerol, with loads of sandy, loamy soil notes intermixed with underbrush, black cherries, plum and mocha. Medium-bodied, with low acidity, in a style not dissimilar from the 1982, this is a wine to drink now and over the next 10-12 years.

This is clearly the finest La Grave since the 1982, even better than the 1990. A saturated color is followed by beautiful, sweet kirsch notes intermixed with spice box and herbs. The 2009 displays more concentration than any previous La Grave, but it is one of Jean-Pierre Moueix’s more supple, lighter-styled clarets that will be delicious young, yet age for 10-15 years. (Tasted once.)

(Ex Trigant de Boisset.) Transparent crimson. Gamey/veggy notes. Sweet start and some delicacy – very different from most Pomerols! Really quite racy and sinewy. Dry finish. Very very much a food wine! (JR)