Andrew Cullimore

9.0

Pretty similar colour . On the nose a little more herbal and a little less intensity than the Ovello , with some sous bois and sea side hints . On the palate this is slightly more reserved and less tannic , little less rustic , a little more elegant perhaps . Touch of mint on the finish . Ok length . This is a little simpler than the Ovello overall, and will probably need drinking sooner . Drink now and over the next 5 or so years — 5 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2019 vintage. Enjoying the simpler, 2018 vintage of this wine a bit more currently. The 2019 is pretty tight and very youthful. Laying off for a 5-spot might help but a 10-spot would be better. OTOH, if you wanted to pour this btg or drink throughout the course of 4 nights without the worries of it losing steam or going bad, you just might be onto something. 1.24.24. — 2 years ago

Conrad Green

9.1

Zippy and bright. Slightly candied violet notes. Sweeter. Simpler than some here. — 3 years ago

with Ara and Paul

John Bratincevic

9.2

Poured through an aerator and sat for 15 minutes…

NOSE: strong, clear cassis. Meat. Pine, forest. Very mild chocolate and a little ash - and some raisin - but the cassis dominates.

Taste: medium weight, elegant, fruity bordeaux, with enough tannin to balance it perfectly - as on the nose, cassis and dark berry flavors dominate, but with a good herbal backbone. Simpler than I’d hoped, but just so very well made it doesn’t matter. Would love to taste this in a few years. 92. — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château Garraud 2017 – Lalande-de-Pomerol
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A Right Bank Bordeaux built on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this Lalande-de-Pomerol delivers approachability and charm while still showing off the structure that makes the appellation such a solid neighbor to Pomerol proper. (Educational edge: Lalande-de-Pomerol is often seen as “Pomerol’s little brother,” sharing similar terroir but offering more vibrant, earlier-drinking wines at a fraction of the price.)

Aromas & Flavors
Aromatic and fruit-driven from the first pour: ripe mulberry, black plum, and dark berries lead the way, balanced by fresh acidity. The palate mirrors the nose, with plum and blackberry ripeness, subtle earthy tones, and a lively freshness that keeps it vibrant.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with polished, silky tannins that glide across the palate. Balanced acidity adds lift, while the smooth finish lingers with dark fruit and a touch of refinement.

Winemaking Notes
The 2017 vintage, challenging in parts of Bordeaux, still yielded charming and aromatic reds in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Garraud used its clay-gravel soils and careful vinification to craft a wine that balances fruit ripeness with freshness—designed for drinking in its youth.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted chicken, duck breast, or pork tenderloin. For a simpler take, pair with mushroom pasta or a creamy risotto.

Verdict
An easy-drinking, polished Bordeaux that’s already in its prime. Fresh, aromatic, and vibrant, yet smooth enough to please even sophisticated palates. Drink now and enjoy the elegance of Merlot-driven Right Bank Bordeaux without waiting decades. Cheers! — 6 months ago

John Bratincevic

9.3

NOSE: marshmallow, peach, papaya, mango, melon, vanilla bean, custard.

TASTE: baked peach, creme brûlée, vanilla bean, sugar cookie, banana (very slight)…apricot…date honey…simpler than others I have had, but I do love this chateau. 93. — 2 years ago

Joe Carroll

Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions

9.2

A little softer and simpler than expected — 3 years ago

romo

9.1

Simpler, yet still very-Perez. — 8 months ago

"Odedi"

8.9

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back!

Dark ruby in color with a wide brick rim.

The nose is simpler than I expected right out of the bottle, but beautiful once it opens up.

Medium plus in body and elegant, with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with nice complexity.

Showing black plums, cooked cherries, light oak, licorice, spices, chocolates, tobacco, herbs, espresso, earth, light forest floor and black pepper.

Long finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This Merlot based blend from Bordeaux is drinking nicely now, and feels young, especially on the nose.

Good right out of the bottle, and better with airtime. I did not decant it and left it in the bottle. I was actually worried that it will die sooner, but it still has a lot in it. Love to see that. Only after 2 hours, the nose opened up and tannins showed up.

This 26 years old is easy drinking and good by itself or with food. I had the 2010 vintage, five years ago, and I liked it better this time.

Robert Parker 94 points.

Paired nicely with a Charcuterie board of meats and cheeses.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$100. — 2 years ago

John Bratincevic

9.1

NOSE: charcoal, wood, muted herbs, cassis and blackberry. Lavender, mint. Restrained but good.

TASTE: good! Cassis, blackberry, graphite, iron, dark chocolate, mint, wood ash. A little simpler than expected, but still very enjoyable. 91. — 3 years ago