Chateau Hosanna, Pomerol 2023

Based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc from 4.5 hectares of vines on blue clay and more iron-rich gravelly soils and aged 16-18 months in 50% new French oak, the 2023 Château Hosanna is absolutely gorgeous and one of the finest vintages from this château that I can remember. Crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spice wood, chocolate, and flowery nuances define the aromatics, and it's rich and medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a seamless, layered, sensationally textured mouthfeel, polished, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It's just a classic, deep, layered, magical Pomerol that flirts with perfection. Hide bottles for 7-8 years if you can, and it will shine over the following 30 years or more. Drink 2033-2063.

The 2023 Hosanna is polished, silky and exceptionally beautiful. Inky dark fruit, cloves, new leather, lavender and chocolate caress the palate. The 2023 is a decidedly restrained Hosanna—more finesse than power. That makes it something of a stylistic departure, and also a Pomerol I find hugely compelling.

A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, matured in 50% new oak, the 2023 Hosanna opens with a pronounced creamy-oak profile, revealing aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice, gentian and spices. Medium- to full-bodied, generous and rich, it is built around a textural core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins that assert themselves in a youthfully firm finish.

The 2023 Hosanna has quite a refined bouquet that is missing the bandwidth and complexity that a great Hosanna can bring. It feels a bit conservative compared to, say, the La Fleur Petrus or Trotanoy. The palate is well-balanced, with supple, pliant tannins matched by a fine thread of acidity. Lightly spiced, a little balsamic in the mix toward the end, at least this Pomerol finishes with a bit of chutzpah. Not bad at all, though I err toward other vintages.