This is a small snapshot of bottled 2017 to draw conclusions from but these notes can be augmented by observations I made initially about the appellation during primeurs, found here. Again, frost affected Pomerol estates mostly in terms of volumes and blends. There is variation [one of the characteristics of the vintage] but a number of excellent wines have been made. There is something tremendously decadent about top Pomerol, and for me Château La Conseillante really wowed at the tasting, alongside a seriously impressive Château Clinet. Château Petit-Village looked very good as usual, not that far behind at all. I’ve been impressed by the improvement of Château Beauregard in recent vintages. This is testament to work that has been undertaken in the vineyard and the cellar there, as well as the product of a vintage when Cab Franc has shone through, which Beauregard has extensive plantings of. Château Le Bon Pasteur was also good. The misfire for me was Château Gazin, which felt a little austere in comparison with its peers.

The following notes were taken in October 2019 and the annual Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tastings in London.

Château Beauregard, Pomerol, 2017

Mid depth; earth and spices; savoury Cab Franc characters; attractive aromatics; good palate; spices, some earth again; chocolate tones; good texture to the tannins. Like this. [55% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc]. Tasted Oct ’19. Drink 2022-2032. 90+

Château Le Bon Pasteur, Pomerol, 2017

Mid depth; quite full; spices, chocolate notes; integrated with plummy black fruits; impressive entry to the palate; textured fruit; earthy finish with some extract. Works nicely in a more ‘worked’ style. Tasted Oct ’19. Drink 2022-2030. 90

Château Clinet, Pomerol, 2017

Mid depth; stylish; creamy, perfumed fruit; plums; chocolate; attractive palate; nicely extracted fruit that is fresh, pure and has plenty of grip; this is stylish Pomerol that is decidedly serious. [92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon].  Tasted Oct ’19. Drink 2023-2037. 94+

Château La Conseillante, Pomerol 2017

Mid depth; glossy in the glass; fresh plums and fruit; works really well; summer fruit compote notes; real joy on the palate; one of the wines of the overall 2017 UGCB tasting. Good length and fresh finish with grip on the end. Tasted October 2019. Drink 2022-2040. 95+

Château La Croix de Gay, Pomerol, 2017

Mid depth; some red at edge; some inky cabernet franc influence; tomato plant; nice texture on the palate; quite forward in style and developing early; easy. Stalky finish. Tasted October 2019. Drink 2024-2035. 89+

Château Gazin, Pomerol, 2017

Mid depth; some earth red at edge; quite strong initially; clean; wet rock; fresh palate; clean again; little angular overall on the finish and tannin profile. This feels a rather bracing Gazin, just like a sunny but breezy day in March. Tasted October 2019. Drink 2023-2037. 88

Château Petit-Village, Pomerol, 2017

Mid depth; fresh aromatics with nice fruit profiles; plums and spices; palate feels easy and open; nice texture here with good grip on the finish. Inky at the end. Good effort in the vintage context. Tasted October 2019. Drink 2023-2037. 92+

Château Rouget, Pomerol, 2017

Quite dense and inky in the glass; sublimated style to the aromatics; inky and quite unctuous; palate feels concentrated but finish is chewy and tannic which suggests over extraction. Will hopefully settle with bottle age but an extracted style for sure. Tasted October 2019. Drink 2025-2033. 86