Tasted by Jane Anson(at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)

This has the physicality of tannins right up front, a clear signature of the vintage, but nothing is heavy or bitter, rather they exert a pressure that gives form and shape to the ripe berry fruits, balanced by mocha, fennel and smoked cocoa bean. Not as joyous as in some vintages of Pensées, but extremely hard to argue with its quality, and the deft, bright finish.

Drinking Window 2024 - 2040

(71% M, 29% Bouchet)
Dense black-fruit nose, lightly earthy, too; full, fresh, very fine in tannin; ample and beautifully but finely fleshy, a mouthcoating wine combining a gently clayey substance on the one hand, with a subtle energy and abundant, ethereal Cabernet Franc fragrance on the other, a sort of vinous chiaroscuro! Its pure clay origin notwithstanding, this is a very refined expression of Pomerol, with great perfumed persistence, a wine of greater density than the Perrières, but noticeable freshness and delicacy, too. Beautiful. 2030–55+.

71% Merlot, 29% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc). Cask sample.
Gourmand but elegant at the same time. Rich, full and creamy but not fat, the fruit expressive and tannins finely honed. Dark-fruit aromas with a minty note from the Bouchet (Cabernet Franc). Tannins pull everything together on the finish. Slight warmth on the end. (JL)71% Merlot, 29% Bouchet (Cabernet Franc). Cask sample.
Gourmand but elegant at the same time. Rich, full and creamy but not fat, the fruit expressive and tannins finely honed. Dark-fruit aromas with a minty note from the Bouchet (Cabernet Franc). Tannins pull everything together on the finish. Slight warmth on the end. (JL)