2006 Le Bon Pasteur

Very dark with evolved rim. Sweet and juicy with some vitality and great smoothness. Oddly, this wine, made in a region of small farmers, tastes as though a big company had been involved in smoothing over the cracks and media training... Good result even if not the most echt. (JR)

Dark red. Subdued aromas of plum and chocolate complicated by licorice and herbs. Silky on entry, then supple and smooth in the middle, with flavors of smoky red fruits, herbs and chocolate. This harmonious midweight features smooth tannins, with subtle vinosity extending the wine's finish. Accessible already but should age gracefully. Michel and Dany Rolland's home wine is rarely overextracted.

It is always amazing how Michel and Dany Rolland coax so much character and quality from this vineyard, which is on one of the least impressive terroirs of Pomerol. Moreover, it ages well, as evidenced by the 1982, which is still a remarkable wine and one of the great Bon Pasteurs ever made. The 2006 displays wild berry fruit intermixed with mocha, espresso roast, and sweet black cherries and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied, pure, has some light to moderate tannin in the finish, but is long, savory, and already showing complexity and a sensual appeal. I could drink this now, but I suspect most readers would probably prefer to wait a few years and drink it over the following 12-15 years.