Community Tasting Note

Xavier Auerbach wrote:

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 - A combined tasting note of the 2009, 2010 and 2011 vintages. All three are basically made from around 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and aged in used barrels from Château Lafleur. They are quite big wines, weighing in at 14.5%, 14.5% and 14% ABV respectively. The wines are impeccably made (Grand Village is the home of the Guinaudeau family, the owners of Château Lafleur in Pomerol), and consequently they are true representatives of their terroir and their vintages. The 2009 has suffered a bit from the heat of the vintage, it seems. It offers delicious rich and ripe fruit, blackberries and plums even, but it feels very earthy, the wood sticks out a bit when the bottle has been open for a few hours and acidity is low; there is considerable heat on the finish. One to drink up before the fruit fades (88). The 2011 shares some of the earthy character with the 2009, but it is made in a much fresher and cooler style; although attractively energetic, it does display that certain dryness in the tannins which is typical for the vintage. Drinking well from now until 2020 (89). The 2010 is in a class of its own in this trio and seems to (almost) transcend the limitations of its modest terroir. It is lifted and floral, creamy, with an elegance and finesse not encountered in the two neighbouring vintages, the fruit is ripe but fresh, there is vibrant acidity, the oak is perfectly integrated and the tannins are still grippy but ripe; there is nice resonance on the slightly rough finish and length is good. This may improve for a few more years and should last until 2025 (90).

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