2022 Château Lafleur-Gazin, Pomerol

Enjoyable aromatics, with floral curls, this is silky in texture on the attack, and builds slowly but surely through the palate, delivering the exotic spice count of the vintage in terms of its clove and cinammon edging, balanced by raspberry and black cherry fruits sandwiched between the firm tannins. Sweet damson puree very clear on the finish, this is charming with appellation signature. 8.5ha, harvest September 5 to 13.

Lots of ripe red, blue, and black fruits, graphite, damp earth, leather, and spicy notes define the 2022 Château Lafleur-Gazin, a 100% Merlot Pomerol coming from a mix of gravelly, clay and silky soils. It's medium-bodied, has good balance, some silky, polished tannins, and a forward, charming style. It's not one of the gems in the vintage, but it should clearly be outstanding.

The 2022 Lafleur-Gazin unwinds in the glass with aromas of minty blackberries, cherries, petroleum jelly and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, supple and gourmand, its satiny attack segues into a rich but vibrant core of fleshy, perfumed fruit. Owned by the firm of J-P Mouiex since 2020, this is an estate in the ascendant.

Lots of black olive, currant and orange peel aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with firm and polished tannins, which are fine and focused. Chewy. Plenty of potential. Pure merlot.

The 2022 Lafleur-Gazin shows all of the natural intensity of the year in its ripe fruit profile and voluptuous personality. Soft and curvy, Lafleur-Gazin is more about immediacy than complexity, but it offers plenty of appeal. Succulent red berries, cinnamon, cedar and new leather linger.