Château L’Evangile has produced a plummy, attractive Pomerol with balance and delicacy in 2014. Following an early start to the growing season with good flowering, the wet and cooler weather during the summer months, necessitated much work in the vines. Vine ripening occurred in two periods, late July and then again after mid-August so there were sometimes differences in ripeness between bunches on the same vine. Care was needed at harvest and in selection therefore. Here, as elsewhere, the fabulous weather in September and October, allowed more control than in previous vintages in terms of picking dates. It allowed for the harvesting of fruit at full ripeness, but also with the freshness that speaks of the cooler summer.

This beautiful Pomerol property neighbours Vieux Château Certan and L’Evangile on the border with St Emilion [with Cheval Blanc and La Dominique just across the road]. Château La Conseillante has produced a caressing 2014, that has a pretty satin quality to the fruit. The owners feel that the wine exhibits more power than 2012 and greater aromatic profile than 2006. It is an impressive effort. There is concentration and depth here, showing just how the vintage’s Indian summer saved the day.

Alexandre Thienpont was very happy with the quality of the Cabernet Franc at Vieux Château Certan in 2014 but sees that the success and harmony of the wine is the way it has married with the Merlot, which he describes as being of ‘excellent’ quality. 2014 was not a vintage ‘saved’ by Cabernet Franc, Thienpont believes, and he feels that the varieties have come together extremely well in combination. Certainly ‘VCC’ is deliciously pure and dazzling in 2014.

The wines from the Jean-Pierre Moueix stable are invigorating. There’s a zap and bounce to the Pomerols here that is refreshing and my feeling is that they have done extremely well with their 2014s. There is plenty of pretty, vibrant fruit and sappy vigour on offer, wines with a juicy texture and ripe, soft tannins. It makes these wines irresistible to me. Amongst the more affordable Pomerols, Château Lafleur-Gazin is delicious, Château Bourgneuf has depth and texture and Château Plince has attractive delicacy. Further up Château Latour à Pomerol is layered and vital while Château Hosanna is a voluptuous beauty and virtually steals the show. Château La Fleur-Pétrus is silky and delicate and Château Trotanoy substantial.