2015 Le Moulin

Some freshness – as though the fruit were picked much earlier than most other Pomerols'. Even a bit of green… (JR)

A rich, boisterous wine, the 2015 Le Moulin captures the exuberance of the year in spades. This is a gorgeous, broad Pomerol built on pure texture. Inky blue and purplish fruit, spice, licorice and sweet oak all meld together in a sensual, deep Pomerol that marries richness and freshness. All the elements are very nicely balanced throughout. The 2015 is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new oak. This is a lovely effort from Michele Querre's 13-hectare property in Pomerol. Alain Raynaud is the consulting winemaker.

The 2015 Moulin Basileus is another new name on the Pomerol scene, a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc from 2.4 hectares of vine (though not all is in production). It has a composed and well-defined bouquet with wild strawberry and raspberry scents neatly embracing the considerable new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a touch of dark chocolate infusing the red fruit. There is a patina of new oak to be absorbed on the finish, but otherwise, this is a perfectly respectable Pomerol that should give 8-10 years of drinking pleasure.