Château Le Bon Pasteur 2003

The fresh, lively, full-bodied, opulent 2003 Bon Pasteur reveals the best of this terroir, which, while not the finest of Pomerol, is exploited brilliantly by Dany and Michel Rolland. A deep plum/ruby-purple hue shows little lightening at the edge, and the bouquet offers lots of licorice, mocha, black cherry, and cassis aromas. This full-bodied, youthful yet delicious 2003 has another decade of aging in it.

Aromas of flowers, dark fruits and anise. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a fruity, citrus aftertaste. Subtle and firm. Dig down to find it all. Best after 2009. 1,905 cases made.

Red-ruby. Sexy aromas of cherry, smoked meat and minerals, with suggestions of chocolate and mint. Sweet, ripe and full, with better depth of flavor than many of its Pomerol neighbors in 2003. Finishes with ripe, dusty tannins. This has turned out well.

Dark, dense garnet with a bluish sheen. Complex bouquet with gentle lactic hints, a touch of honey, Malaga raisins from very ripe grapes. On the palate, full-bodied, initial chocolate notes, malt again, fat on the outside, a slightly hollow mid-palate, a body that feels heavy due to the low acidity, a rather jammy finish, quick to mature.

04: Compote-like bouquet, fine honey notes, light tobacco and coffee. On the palate, red cherries, a sweet-and-sour play in the extract; it turns rougher and more sinewy inside, leaving a dominant bitterness. (15/20). 06: Dark, dense garnet with a bluish sheen. Complex bouquet with a gently lactic character, a hint of honey and Malaga raisins from very ripe grapes. On the palate, full-bodied, initial chocolate notes, malt again; fat on the outside, but a missing mid-palate, and the deep acidity makes the body feel ponderous and the finish rather jammy. Matures rather quickly and is disappointing for its usual level.

Sweet, opulent, rich bouquet with strawberry jam, blue berries, and vanilla. Fruity, velvety, soft palate with dry tannins and sweet fruit. Sweet, fruity finish. 17/20 2009 - 2020

Bordeaux colour with some evolution (brown). Intense nose with ripe fruit, praline, liquorice and cedar. Caressing palate with flavour, body and a slightly noticeable finish. Good length. A 2003 among the most successful from Pomerol.

89-91 A finely balanced wine from the property owned by wine guru Michel Rolland. The fruit is fresh, layering acidity and dusty tannins. It should balance out well.