Wow, did I underrate this wine from cask. I thought it was outstanding, but this wine is one of the superstars of the vintage. An extraordinarily provocative, exotic nose of a florist shop intermixed with raspberry and blueberry liqueur soars from the glass of this very aromatic/fragrant wine. Dense purple in color, with silky tannins, a full-bodied mouthfeel, great nobility and palate penetration, this is a sensational, compelling Pomerol to drink over the next 20-25 years.

The 2009 La Violette has quite a high-toned and yet at the same time, slight earthy bouquet that feels fresh and lively, more black fruit than its Pomerol peers. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, quite savory with touches of dried blood and tobacco/bayleaf on the finish. The late Catherine Père-Vergé oversaw a very fine La Violette this year. - vinous.com, March 2019

Bright ruby. Expressive aromas of cassis, dark plum, mocha, cinnamon and violet. Sweet, broad and pliant but also light on its feet, with intense, delineated flavors of dark berries, violet and spicy oak. The ultra-smooth, practically weightless finish offers lingering notes of flowers, spices and minerals. Great wine--and completely different from the astringent, overextracted monster I recall tasting at the Primeurs .

Ruby-purple. A slightly overripe nose of black plum, candied violet and mint. Much better on the palate initially, with enticing blueberry, dark plum, mint and spice flavors lifted by adequate acidity, but I found myself wishing for a bit more sweetness and flesh. Finishes with above-average complexity and length, but the tannins turn a bit dry. I may have caught this at an awkward stage. La Violette is typically a wine of almost haunting finesse, but this 2009 seems to have been overextracted. If the fruit comes around and the tannins resolve over time, my score will look ungenerous.

Tasted blind. Smells just like a Margaux! Or do I mean a Ch du Tertre with its light biscuity oakiness? Fresh and lively. This would go down a storm in a Margaux flight. It’s lots of fun: fragrant and sweet without being richly opulent. (JR)