2009 Château La Fleur de Boüard

Bright medium ruby-red. Brooding aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and iron. Densely packed and plush, with noteworthy depth to its flavors of dark fruits, smoky minerality and iron. Not the last word in lift or personality but chewy, rich and chocolatey-ripe, and long on the aftertaste. This wine, and especially the special Le Plus de la Fleur bottling, are remarkable outperformers from Lalande de Pomerol. Owner Hubert de Bouard de Laforest, who also owns Chateau L'Angelus in Saint-Emilion, notes that the deep gravelly soil here is essentially an extension of the Pomerol plateau.

Aromas of crushed blueberries and minerals, with hints of forest floor. Full body, with chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Tannins are polished though. Stylish wine from this vintage.

Over-achievers in short, the 2009 La Fleur de Bouard is fabulous, with notes of blueberry, plum, licorice, white flowers and camphor followed by a full-bodied, well-endowed, textured, supple wine. Stunningly concentrated, yet silky and seductive, it should be drunk over the next 10+ years. Both of these wines, from the 50-acre estate owned by Hubert de Bouard, are the reference points for Lalande de Pomerol.