2022 Balestard la Tonnelle

The 2022 Balestard La Tonnelle is a dense, hedonistic wine. Inky dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, menthol, licorice and mocha are all dialed up in this decidedly fleshy, succulent Pomerol. Soft contours wrap it all together.

The 2022 Château Balestard La Tonnelle showed well on both occasions when I was able to try a bottle. Possessing good freshness in its red and black fruits as well as notes of graphite and chalky minerality, it's medium to full-bodied, has a solid mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2022 Balestard La Tonnelle features flamboyant notes of stewed black cherries, prunes, and raisin cake, followed by hints of hoisin and cedar chest. The full-bodied palate has a zippy line of freshness and velvety tannins to frame the big, rich, concentrated black and blue fruit preserves flavors, finishing long and spicy.