This is a very small snapshot of the wines from Pomerol in 2020. They all showed good colour and generally had plenty of fruit. Château Feytit-Clinet was a beauty, displaying sensuality and satin-like fruit qualities. I was also impressed again with Château Mazeyres from Alain Moueix, a leading biodynamic producer who makes wonderfully fresh and clear Pomerol. Château La Commanderie, Château Lécuyer, Château Taillefer and Château Vieux Maillet have also made attractive Pomerol in 2020, showing substance but also elegance. Château La Clémence, Château Le Moulin and Clos Vieux Taillefer have produced solid wine but without the excitement of the rest.

The following wines were sent by the Grand Cercle in April 2020 to the UK, with Chateau Feytit-Clinet sent separately. Many thanks to these producers who sent samples. Obviously, I will catch up with other leading Pomerol estates at subsequent tastings. Next April [2022], I hope to be back in Bordeaux tasting again, so my notes should be more comprehensive for vintage 2021! In the meantime, I hope you find these notes useful on the following 2020 Pomerol.

Château La Clémence, Pomerol 2020

Saturated look; earthy purple at edge; legs; plenty of ripe fruit; plenty of depth and plummy tones; extract here but not as knockout as in 2019; might be the sample. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2024-2035. 87-89?

Château La Commanderie, Pomerol, 2020

Deep; earthy purple at edge; lifted black fruits; enticing; some pain grillé notes; feels layered and interesting; liquorice too; sweet entry to the fruit; nice plushness; plums; plenty of extract here which is refined; lacks a bit of definition perhaps; this will be early drinking; plenty of fruit overall. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2024-2035. 88-90

Château Feytit-Clinet, Pomerol, 2020

Deep and saturated; lovely legs; hangs in the glass; creamy and beautiful; lush ripe plums; bright cherries; really deep and satin-like; lovely entry; soft and seductive; creamy black fruits; lush; and seductive; this is terrific; soft and ripe; beautiful purity; I think this weighs in at close to 15 degrees but it is very seductive. It lacks a little amplitude but it is very sensual. Lovely succulent tannins on the end. A succulent beauty for sure. [90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 14.8% alc, pH 3.70]. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2024-2040. 94-96+

Château Lécuyer, Pomerol 2020

Earthy purple at edge; dark core; spices; plum pudding; quite rich; nice measured entry; this works nicely on the palate; full; has density but the tannins are nicely handled. Finishes well. Good stuff. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2024-2038. 88-90

Château Mazeyres, Pomerol 2020

Mid depth; earthy purple at edge; nice fresh briary fruit; this stands out in the line-up for freshness; black cherry; plum and briary tones; really clarity; clean entry; clean and clear as a whistle; pristine flavours; plums; black cherry; has freshness and style; organic and biodynamic here – and it shows in the class. Think 2019 was a fraction better but this works well. Glossy finish. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2023-2040. 91-93+

Château Le Moulin, Pomerol, 2020

Arterial looking; super concentrated; legs; colour tight to rim; inky and resinous; sweet fruit; if a bit figgy and extracted. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2023-2032. 87-89

Château Taillefer, Pomerol 2020

Vivid purple at edge; deep core; sweet ripe plums; some fruitcake spices; this is rich for Taillefer; quite pure plums; depth; rich entry; layered with some oomph; tannins at the end. Creamy plummy fruit; works nicely; judged well; bit of oak on the finish to resolve. Works nicely overall. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2024-2035. 89-91+

Château Vieux Maillet, Pomerol, 2020

Deep looking; earthy purple at edge; ripe plums; some fruit cake; sweet and attractive; round; nice satisfying entry; nice fruit; sturdy but soft at the edges; chocolate notes; savoury tones alongside the black fruit; nice texture to the wine; works. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2024-2032. 88-90

Clos Vieux Taillefer, Pomerol 2020

Vibrant edge; dark at centre; legs; ripe fruit; composed; quite plush; plums, sweetness; attractive; dark chocolate notes; quite full; little chunky and a bit straightforward. Tasted May, 2021. Drink 2024-2035. 87-89