Château Fayat 2010

A straightforward, rather one-dimensional Pomerol made from a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the 2010 Fayat displays elegance but falls off on the palate. Drink it over the next 10 years.

Dark and chunky, offering charcoal and roasted tobacco up front, with the core of plum and blackberry fruit held in check. The grippy edge on the finish seems a bit unyielding and lacks the enticing flesh and succulence of the best Pomerols. Should soften with cellaring, but remains rather austere. Best from 2014 through 2022. 4,583 cases made.

Rich and layered with a lovely subtlety and flavor. Full-bodied yet refined and polished, with a blueberry and chocolate aftertaste that lasts for minutes. Better after 2015.

Medium-bodied, forward, lighter style of Pomerol, with freshness and soft textures, but not a lot of depth to the red plums and cherries, although there is a nice thyme and espresso note on the nose that adds to the wine.

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with lilac highlights on the rim. Compote-like bouquet, cooked cherries, expansive. Juicy palate, lots of suppleness, also showing very ripe, primary fruit, with firm notes on the finish. Is this the same wine that was still called Fayat-Thunevin until last year?

Superficial, slightly alcoholic bouquet, cherries, hazelnuts, toasted notes, chocolate. Slightly jammy, opulent, sweet palate with generous fruit, dry tannins, bitter finish. 17/20 2018 - 2030

Dense attack, dense mid-palate, a spicy, blackberry finish.

Fruity wine, a bit loose on the palate and oaky on the finish.