Château Hosanna, Pomerol, 2017

This is only the fifth vintage made under this name from the vineyard formerly known as Certan-Giraud, but it has already stacked up an impressive back catalogue of triumphant successes. Only 10ha of the whole property go into the wine, made up of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, and despite the large investments that have been made both in the winery and vineyard, the Moueix mantra of tradition and purity hold sway. The result in 2003 is stunning: a big, powerful nose introduces intense, sweet, almost minty fruit on the palate, which shows meaty complexity and great overall richness. This is full-bodied Merlot, powerful yet balanced, with a grace that comes from respect of the terroir and the grape. There is good acidity, great purity and clarity of fruit, and a very long finish. Very impressive!