2020 Château du Domaine de l’Église, Pomerol

Like many of the best Pomerols, this is a small estate, covering less than 7 hectares. It is under the same Castéja family ownership as Châteaux Batailley and Trotte Vieille, and like these properties, has recently been receiving the additional, tightly focused attention it deserves. The vines border famous names towards the north of Pomerol’s central plateau, and now average around 30 years of age. Quality has been steadily climbing, and this is an exceptional success in 2020. The blend consists of 96% Merlot, with 4% Cabernet Franc. In colour, rich, glinting purple, with intensely fresh, buoyant aromas. Palate shows bright fruit, with well-sustained flavours right through tasting, rich, well-rounded, gentle tannins and splendid length (for drinking 2024-2035+).