Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Introduction

By Paul Caputo

Heading north from the prestigious Pomerol AOC, the much larger appellation of Lalande-de-Pomerol is an excellent source of soft, fruity Merlot driven red wines. They can be expensive, but still cheaper than Pomerol, and if you know where to look there is plenty of value to be found.

The soils here are a real mix of clay, stone, silt and sand. Around 1200 hectares are given over to Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The best wines are best between four and ten years old, depending on the vintage, and will show lovely red and black berry aromas matched with a fleshy, plummy palate that takes on some smoke, leather and game when aged in oak.

Blog entries about Lalande-de-Pomerol

Lalande-de-Pomerol 2018 – Ten Wines to Try

Added by Valeria Tenison on 30 Sep 2021

Despite frequently residing in the shadows of its famous neighbours Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, the large Lalande de Pomerol still offers plenty of excitement and value. Valeria Tenison picks her favourite wines and estates from the highly regarded 2018 vintage.

Vinorandum rated wines from Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Château Altimar, Bordeaux, France

2018 2016

Cabernet Franc (55%)Merlot (35%)Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)

“A very deep ruby colour. Intense aromas of blackberry and black current underlined by notes of baking spices, tobacco, and cigar box. Extremely succulent on the palate with bold but soft and silky tannins. To pair with hearty beef stews and a juicy Wagyu rib-eye steak.”

92 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Domaine Pont de Guestres, Bordeaux, France

2018

Merlot (100%)

“Deep purple colour. An amazingly fresh nose with hints of tobacco and cedarwood, some nuances of jalapeño peppers, and black currant leaf. Ripe and balanced on the palate, this is a vivid and complex wine to enjoy with beef or lamb stewed in red wine. It also might make a mind-blowing match for a tarte aux fruits rouges.”

90 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Château de Chambrun, Bordeaux, France

2018

Merlot (78%)Cabernet Franc (22%)

“Deep purple-ruby colour. Attractive nose of blueberry jam, black plum, and black cherries supported by some chocolate and cacao nuances. A rich and luscious style of Lalande with muscular but sleek tannins and full but not heavy structure. A perfect wine to pair with a juicy entrecôte served with forest mushroom sauce.”

92 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Clos des Tuileries, Bordeaux, France

2018

“Deep ruby colour. An interesting nose is full of blackberries, black current, and nuances of smoke and incense. Fleshy and rich but fresh, with suave tannins, this wine has a great value and will pair well with smoked meats, hard cheeses, and dark chocolate desserts.”

92 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Domaine des Sabines, Bordeaux, France

2018 2015

Merlot (80%)Cabernet Sauvignon (20%)

“Deep ruby colour. An elegant nose with plenty of red and black fruits, tobacco, cedarwood, and smoky nuances. Dense and profound, it demonstrates an incredible finesse. To pair with tournedos Rossini and juicy Kobe beef steaks served with red wine sauces.”

91 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Château Les Hauts-Conseillants, Bordeaux, France

2018 2014

Merlot (90%)Cabernet Franc (10%)

“Deep ruby colour. A fascinating nose is full of ripe black fruits, smokiness, and savoury notes. Bold and powerful tannins underpinned by a potent body. The juiciness of the wine will match perfectly with game dishes, charcuterie, and duck confit.”

91 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Château Brouard, Bordeaux, France

2018

“Deep ruby colour. Exuberant aromas of black cherry, blueberry pie, prunes, and cloves. Juicy and opulent on the palate, showing a perfect balance between freshness and intensity. Try it with some dark chocolate fondant.”

91 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Château La Sergue, Bordeaux, France

2018

Merlot (72%)Cabernet Franc (25%)Malbec (3%)

“Dense purple colour. An enchanting nose of black and red fruit potpourri: some black cherries, blackberries, and stewed raspberries. Voluptuous and baroque, it nevertheless shows great freshness and drinkability. The new oak is well-integrated and supports the wine’s sumptuousness. This is a wine to age and enjoy on its own or accompanied by roasted red meats, grilled mushrooms, and braised root vegetables.”

92 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Château Tournefeuille, Bordeaux, France

2019 2018 2017 2016

Merlot (58%)Cabernet Franc (42%)

“Deep purple-ruby colour. Intense nose of black cherries, black currant, and tobacco leaf. Opulent and rich, it is still very fresh and elegant with smooth tannins and lively acidity. To serve with lamb chops accompanied with a potato gratin.”

92 Valeria Tenison

Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

Château Belles-Graves, Bordeaux, France

2018

Merlot (88%)Cabernet Franc (12%)

“Deep ruby colour with some purple nuances, bright and vivid. An elegant nose with a lot of crunchy red and black current, plum and violet. On the palate excitingly fresh and sapid, with prominent acidity and velvety tannins. This wine will match a large number of dishes, including traditional South-Western gigot d’agneau (lamb shank).”

91 Valeria Tenison