2024 St Pierre (Pomerol)

Coming from four separate parcels, with the heart located just beside the church (others are near Clinet, La Fleur Petrus, and Trotanoy), the 2024 Château Saint-Pierre (Pomerol) is based on 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc that was fermented with 10% stems and resting in 35% new barrels, with a small part in amphora. It has ripe black cherries, classic Pomerol damp earth and chocolaty nuances, beautifully integrated oak, solid mid-palate depth, and a terrific finish. It's a rock-solid wine from this estate.

This has slim blueberry fruits, leafy and sinewy, with plenty of savoury character, and a juicy finish. The satin tannins of Pomerol are just about in evidence, if a little on the slim side. 3ha estate, Pradel de Lavaux family, (2ha in this wine, taking out the sandier section), 80% sold En Primeur. Well located on the Pomerol plateau across several small plots. 35% new oak and 25% in terracotta amphora (first time for it to be this high), current owner joined in 2014 but the estate has been in the family since 1920. 10% whole bunch ferment.

Flowers, black cherries, and licorice pop in the nose. The wine is medium-bodied, bright, fresh, and refined, with sweetness, lift, and touches of licorice, strawberries, cocoa, and dried herbs in the mid-palate, as well as in the finish. The wine blends 85% Merlot, with 15% Cabernet Franc. 13.5% ABV. 10% of the wine is whole bunch fermented.