Chateau Beauregard, Pomerol, France 2018

Pomerol, Saint-Emilion’s neighbour, is located to the north-east of Libourne and is the smallest of Bordeaux’s prestigious appellations, covering just 800 hectares (1,976 acres) of vineyard. Its outstanding terroir is largely made up of clay-gravel soils in which the Merlot, the king grape variety of the region, finds its full expression alongside the Cabernet Franc, which is planted on the deepest gravel soils. Beauregard is situated at the entrance to the appellation and covers an area of 17.5 hectares (43 acres), making it one of the largest Pomerol estates. Its grape composition is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. In 2016, 4% of Cabernet Sauvignon was added to the vineyard, and these grapes will enter into the blend within a few years.

The vines have reached an average grand old age of 35 years, while every new plantation is planted at the very high density of 9,200 vines per hectare.

The wine-making facilities at Beauregard have been completely redesigned with a new, high-performing gravity-flow vat cellar containing 22 temperature-controlled tronco-conical concrete vats of 60 to 80 hectolitre capacity, which enable extremely precise plot by plot vinification. Two barrel cellars, one of which has a gravity-flow system, follow the strictest rules of fine wine ageing.

Loads of meaty black cherries, currants, truffle, chocolate, and tobacco emerge from the 2018 Château Beauregard. Full-bodied, it has a round, elegant texture, classic Pomerol finesse, silky tannins, and a great finish. Based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, this pure, balanced, outstanding Pomerol will keep for 15-20 years in cold cellars.