Château Pomeaux 2017

The winter preceding the 2017 Bordeaux vintage was cold, with lighter amounts of rain than usual. By February and March, the temperature heated up, and bud break came about a week early. In late April, however, the worst frost in 27 years struck Bordeaux, with temperatures dipping to as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to climate changes and increased development of expertise in combating impending frost, however, the frost did not result in the disaster that befell estates in 1991. Several well-financed estates employed helicopters, heating candles, sprinklers, windmills, and other methods to save large portions of their harvests. In other properties on both the Right and Left Banks, entire crops were lost. Even for estates that survived the frost, yields were adversely affected, with average yields down 40% from the preceding vintage. By the end of the spring, temperatures increased, with flowering taking place by the middle of May. Flowering was homogenous and rapid. At this point, most vineyards that had not been adversely affected by the frost were in good condition. June saw rain, making it wetter than usual, and warm, sunny conditions. Several days saw temperatures of at least 88 degrees Fahrenheit, ultimately peaking at 105 degrees. Because of this intense heat, the vines in many areas suffered stress, which slowed the growth cycle. Fortunately, substantial rain fell at the end of June, providing much needed nourishment for the vines and allowing the growth process to resume. July and August were very dry, with cool temperatures and a lack of sunshine. Veraison began early and drought conditions appeared in several vineyards. In the middle of September, rain fell continuously, with the potential for diluting grapes and promoting rot. Growers that resisted the temptation to harvest early were rewarded as the rain ceased and grapes had more time to mature. The keys to success in the 2017 Bordeaux vintage were late harvesting, rigorous fruit selection, and exercising a gentle touch during extraction. 2017 Bordeaux wines are generally medium bodied, fresh, aromatic, and lighter in alcohol than in sunnier vintages, typically exhibiting soft tannins and sweetness.

The 2017 vintage of Château Pomeaux was harvested in the second week of October.  Château Pomeaux was able to harvest a moderately large crop of ripe grapes. After malolactic fermentation in small oak barrels and maturation in new French oak barrels, the wine was bottled in June 2019. The 2017 vintage of Château Pomeaux wine is intense, concentrated, fruity, rich, fleshy, and delicious.

Reviews

JAMES SUCKLING

Score 92/100

“Fragrant nose of blue and purple fruit, dried herbs, sandalwood, chocolate, orange and lavender. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and bright acidity. Lots of energy. Pretty finish.”

TASTED 100% BLIND