Château Lafleur Gazin, Pomerol, 2016

This Jean-Pierre Moueix estate is well situated between Gazin and the original plot of La Fleur Petrus. The 8.75 hectare vineyard on clay, loess and gravel soils is planted with 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. It used to be a somewhat rustic style; however Edouard and Christian have transformed the wine here into a real beauty. The last two vintages were real successes and 2016 continues that trend, perhaps adding greater precision and tension. For the money, we doubt you'll find much better in Pomerol. Quite grown up - the Cabernet Franc adds lift and gives floral, bell-pepper notes. There's lots of sweet cranberry; this is vital and high toned with notes of plum, redcurrant, tobacco and just a hint of earth. It's juicy yet surprisingly sophisticated for a wine at this level with a fine tannic structure and a long finish of sweet wild berries.