Chateau La Violette, Pomerol 2022

Firm and layered with very fine tannins and impressive blackberry, dark chocolate and spice character, yet it is very reserved and beautiful. Medium to full body. Refined tannins and a savory finish. A sleek and linear beauty. Terrific potential here.

Compelling depth of fruit, with appealing greengage plum and damson on display, this conveys the heat of the vintage, but sets it against velvety tannins that have enough texture in them to slow things down and draw the flavours out through the palate. Mint leaf and eucalyptus bring cooling relief on the finish, and this is mouthwatering and exuberant at the same time. A great wine in the vintage, keeping the seduction of Pomerol alive and well, from a 2ha site.

I was only able to taste the 2022 Château La Violette from a half bottle, and I never feel it's a representative of the real wine at this stage. Nevertheless, you have to call it as you see it on that day. Sporting a vivid ruby hue as well as a pretty nose of mulled currants, leafy herbs, loamy soil, and chocolate, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a soft, forward, charming mouthfeel, light tannins, and outstanding length. It lacks some density yet is nevertheless elegant, perfumed, and a seamless Pomerol. Give bottles a few years to fill out and enjoy over the following 20+.

The 2022 La Violette has a perfumed bouquet, with potpourri infusing the vibrant red fruit, well defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, a touch of bell pepper (as if there were some Cabernet Franc in this 100% Merlot), slightly powdery in texture with an off-dry finish. A little serious. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

The 2022 La Violette delivers notes of cherries, sweet berries, petals and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and rich palate framed by generously extracted tannins. While it's far from a blushing violet, it's comparatively restrained by this estate's standards and represents a well-made wine in its style.