Clos L’Hermitage 2016, Lalande de Pomerol
 
Separated by the Barbanne stream and once but no longer seen as the poorer relation of neighbouring Pomerol, with which it shares broadly similar clay-gravel soils, in the words of Roger Voss, “many of today’s Lalande de Pomerols are of an equal quality to a middle-ranking Pomerol. They have the same opulent richness … and [an] ability in the better vintages to age over five years and up to 10”.
 
Indeed, all the key wine consultants in Bordeaux, from Michel Rolland, to Denis Durantou and Thomas Duclos are now active at Lalande de Pomerol properties, which have benefitted from a warming climate to soften tannins and increase luxuriousness.
 
The rule with Bordeaux has always been to buy from value properties in the best vintages when everyone makes good wine. 2016 is one of the greatest vintages of all time and thus we have searched far and wide to find a new Noble Rot claret which offers exceptional drinking pleasure for the price. 
 
Enter, Clos L’Hermitage 2016, a tremendous Lalande de Pomerol red with the opulence and ageing ability Roger Voss talked about above. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc from vines a minimum of 30 years old, this is a sumptuous Right Bank red accompanied by a gorgeous floral and red berry perfume, with ripe blackberries, cherries, and touches of cigar box and meat on the palate. Structure, poise and balance give way to a long finish and excellent, mouth-watering acidity. 
 
Wines like this one from a truly great vintage don’t come along often and whether it is to provide immediate drinking pleasure now, or to lay down as a treat for another time, we know this will become a new favourite with our clients.