2004 La Gomerie

Lovely dark savoury roasted potato-skin aromas with a richness of black fruit and oak spice. Bags of ripe fruit on the palate but not in the least overripe. Like the Mondotte, rich and impressive if not really my style. Excellent fruit depth and density. Alcohol seems quite high at the end? (JH)

The Becot family own this garagiste operation planted with 100% Merlot, and the impressively constituted La Gomerie is always one of the more flamboyant and exotic wines of St.-Emilion. In some ways, it is similar to the famed Pomerol, Le Pin. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2004 exhibits aromas of strawberry and black cherry confiture, notions of espresso roast, pain grille, and spice box, medium to full body, excellent purity, and a sexy personality. It is a fleshy, heady effort meant to be consumed during its first 10-14 years of life.

Medium red-ruby. Musky plum, redcurrant and mocha on the nose; very merlot! Broad, round and silky but not yet filled in. There's a chocolatey ripeness here, but today the wine is hiding its sweetness. Finishes with building tannins and moderate grip.