2020 Beauregard (Pomerol)

Spice, coffee, black and blue fruits and touches of redcurrant leaf. Sappy and powerful, not as generous as many in Pomerol, but there is always a good level of Cabernet Franc that gives this a slightly austere structure when young - will widen and soften over the next few years, and it stands out for its kick of minerality. Tasted twice, and there is some notable oak, but excellent quality. Ageing for 16 months in barrel. Finished everything by 22 September, their final yields were 37hl/ha (they have 1/3 of the vineyard at 9,000v/ha). Certified organic for 10 years. 92 points

The 2020 Beauregard was picked from September 8 at 37hl/ha (winemaker Vincent Priou told me that having been organic for almost a decade, the vineyard is very stable in terms of yield). Matured in 45% new oak, it has a very pure and refined bouquet, one of the best that I have found on a Beauregard at this stage. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, a slightly grainy texture and a spicy undercurrent. Very cohesive and silky-smooth on the finish. This just might be the best Beauregard made to date. Bravo! 92-94 points

Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Beauregard gives up pronounced notes of baked black plums, blackberry pie and black cherry preserves, plus hints of tar, aniseed, tilled loam and chargrill, with a touch of fried herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate offers chewy tannins and soft acidity to support the black berry and savory layers, finishing on a stewed tea note. The tannins should become a lot more polished after barrel aging, but based on this tasting, I`ve been conservative with my score. 90-92+ points

Deepest purple-crimson with purple rim. Surprisingly subtle but deep aroma of pure black fruit with only a gentle hint of the leafiness I expect from the Cab Franc. On the palate, concentrated black fruit, slightly savoury/rocky in that darkness, chewy but not astringent tannins. Lovely freshness on th e finish to balance the whole, and a gentle fruit sweetness on the finish. 16.5 points

Soft, rich, black-cherry and oak-vanilla nose, very appealing; rich, supple, fresh, and very finely tannic; sweet, gently caressing wine, very long to taste, complex, vibrant with an acidity so well-integrated for the year; black-fruit ripe, yet fresh and creamy, linear and fleshy at once, deep and satisfying, and with lovely length. The 30% Cabernet Franc class and finesse is very clear, and this is beautiful wine, the very image of fine Pomerol at a (relatively) affordable price. Drink 2026–40+. 91–93 points