Clos L’Hermitage, Lalande De Pomerol 2019

£25.99

Clos L’Hermitage continuously produces proper, well-framed and deliciously pure baby Pomerol. Always Merlot dominated with around 20% Cabernet Franc for additional structure, a lean fruit character, and a little spice, the 2019 is grand and voluptuous without being showy, with those plump Merlot tannins giving breadth and depth to the whole palate. This is awash with recurrent, dark cherry, black plum, strawberry and a little cassis, while there is a well-judged herbaceous note (rosemary and violet) followed by a savoury, meat finish. 2019 was a particularly well-respected vintage for Merlot-dominated Right Bank wines, and this wine shows the class and substance of the appellation and the vintage already, while still having time left to savour and enjoy. Drink from now to 2030.