Jeb Dunnuck (97)

Another beautifully textured, ripe, sexy wine from the Gracin family, the 2022 Clos L'Eglise comes from deeper clay soils on the upper plateau in Pomerol. Blue fruits, ripe black raspberries, leafy tobacco, chocolate, and truffly earth notes all shine here, and this beauty is full-bodied and has a layered, plush, sexy style that's already hard to resist. Nevertheless, it will evolve for 25+ years if well stored.

James Suckling (95-96)

A very tight and focused red with racy tannins and a linear, racy texture. It

For those appreciative of renowned vintage wines, the Clos Rene 1979 is an unmissable delight. From the acclaimed Bordeaux region in France, this exquisite Pomerol grew in historic terroir characterised by rich, gravelly soil conducive to creating wines of profound depth and complexity. Clos Rene, the esteemed producer, has been associated with artisan viticulture since the 18th century, preserving time-honoured cultivation techniques to ensure optimal condition and sublime taste.

Prepared using a fifty-fifty blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, Clos Rene 1979 offers irresistible sophistication. The wine imparts a collection of refined aromas, including ripe plum, truffle, and forest floor, culminating in a sensuous palate experience. Its harmonious integration of tannin and acid has matured impeccably over the years, resulting in the wine's enchanting, velvet texture. A testament to the exceptional wine-making of Clos Rene, the 1979 vintage truly substantiates the reputation of this illustrious house. Indulge in the undeniable allure of Clos Rene 1979.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92+)

The 2018 Clos René, for me the top-performing Pomerol within the western sector of the appellation, has a very well-defined and focused bouquet of perfumed blackberry, briary and truffle aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, fresh and tensile, leading into a classic Pomerol finish of black truffle, white pepper and light tobacco notes. This is a classy Pomerol that should age with style.

Vinous - Neal Martin (94)

The 2019 Clos René displays impressive clarity and terroir expression on a focused nose of vivid red berry fruit; black truffle and sage aromas come through with time. The palate is well balanced with a fleshy opening and then builds toward quite a substantial, complex, slightly savory and certainly peppery finish. Superb.

James Suckling (91-92)

A solid red for the vintage. Medium-bodied with medium, round tannins and a soft texture. Mineral and dried-citrus undertones.

Jeb Dunnuck (94+)

One of the riper, more powerful wines in the vintage, the 2017 Enclos Tourmaline boasts a deep purple color as well as a monster bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, plums, roasted herbs, and candied violets. Structured, tannic, full-bodied, and in need of a solid 4-5 years (or more) of bottle age, it should be one of the longer-lived wines in the vintage from Pomerol. This cuvee comes from a miniscule one-hectare plot, just beside Chateau Clinet, that prior to 2012 belonged to Chateau La Patache. It was purchased in 2012 by Hong Kong financer Peter Kwok and it’s been up with the top wines of the vintage ever since. The wine is always 100% Merlot, aged 20 months all in new barrels, and it hit 14.5% natural alcohol. There are a tiny 2,000 bottles produced.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)

From a miniscule one-hectare parcel right across from Clinet, on the upper plateau of Pomerol, the 2018 Enclos Tourmaline is a blockbuster in the making, and I suspect it’s going to give the 2016 a run for its money. Checking in as a 100% Merlot raised in new oak, which hit 14.7% natural alcohol, this inky color blockbuster boasts a massive bouquet of black fruits, smoke herbs, chocolate, and damp earth. It shows a more floral edge with time in the glass and it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and plush on the palate, with sweet tannins. It’s certainly one of the sexiest wines in this terrific vintage. Hats off to vineyard manager and winemaker Jérôme Aguirre as well as consultant Michel Rolland for another brilliant wine in the making. Tasted twice.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

The 2019 Enclos Tourmaline is a tiny production Pomerol coming from a one-hectare vineyard beside Clinet. It's a rich, powerful, yet incredibly elegant Pomerol that does everything right, offering beautiful cassis and darker cherry fruits, notes of cedarwood, spicy oak, and chocolate, full-bodied richness, silky tannins, and a great finish. It marries opulence with finesse perfectly and is one heck of an impressive Pomerol that can be drunk any time over the coming 25 years or so. Pomerol was one of the standout appellations in 2019, and this shows it.

James Suckling (96-97)

A solid, tight red with blackberries, black olives and hints of brown sugar and walnuts. Full and tight with fine, persistent tannins. Tight and focused.

James Suckling (94-95)

A solid young wine with plums, dark cherries and a hint of coffee. Medium to full body with a beautiful finish. Tannic and solid.

Intricacies of viniculture are magnificently portrayed through the Fayat 2011. Cultivated in its namesake Chateau Fayat vineyard in Pomerol on Bordeaux's Right Bank, this blend exemplifies exceptional viticulture and craftsmanship. The fortuitous 2011 vintage delivered condition perfect for Bordeaux’s typical Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon blend.

Fayat 2011 matured under meticulously controlled conditions, aged in French oak barrels for eighteen months to infuse it with quintessential flairs. Characterised by an exquisite bouquet of dark fruits and spices, followed by silky tannins and a lingering finish, this wine is emblematic of Pomerol's renowned elegance and depth.

Representing the inheritance of three generations, the Fayat family stays faithful to tradition while embracing innovative winemaking techniques. Their commitment to perfection is reflected in each bottle of Fayat 2011. Guided by their philosophy, the family augments the reputation of the historic Pomerol region with bottles that enchant aficionados worldwide.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (86)

The 2012 Fayat offers good immediacy, but lacks complexity and depth. I would prefer to drink the 2012 over the next few years, while the flavors remain bold and juicy, as there isn't much material here to allow for aging.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (89-91)

The 2019 Fayat is a friendly, easygoing Pomerol. I would prefer to drink it on the young side, while the fruit retains its youthful juiciness. Inky blue fruit and sweet spice meld into the supple finish. The 2019 is not especially complex, but it is quite tasty. Best of all, it should drink well upon release.

Vinous - Neal Martin (93)

The 2020 Fayat was the most promising vintage that I had encountered from barrel. Now in bottle, it certainly possesses an appealing nose: black cherries, boysenberry, black truffle all vying for attention. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine structure. It eases the brakes on towards the finish in order to retain refinement and freshness, completing yes, the best Fayat in many years.