Château Gombaude Guillot
This 8ha family-owned estate might not be the most densely planted, but it is situated in the heart of the Pomerol plateau not far from Châteaux L’Eglise Clinet, Lafleur and Trotanoy. It offers one of the best pleasure-to-price ratios of all the wines tasted for this article. Certified organic in 1997, the estate is currently in the process of acquiring biodynamic certification. It’s also in tune with the times, making low-sulphur wines (only 25mg total since the 2015 vintage). Special mention should go to the estate’s bright and juicy Pom ‘N’ Roll bottling, which is aged without oak. ‘People like the quality and come back for more of it as an entry-level Pomerol,’ notes Mike Gould of Noble Green Wines in London.
Château Gombaude Guillot 2015 92
N/A UK www.chateau- gombaude- guillot.fr Tasted just after the Gazin, this lacks the density of the former, but still conveys bright fruit notes such as forest strawberry and juicy plum. Initially taut tannins yield to a medium-bodied palate, followed by a long finish. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new oak. Drink 2018-2030 Alc 14%
Château Gombaude Guillot 2005 89
£ 25 (ib) Wine Owners Exchange While the 2015 seemed a little brighter and more precise, here the strawberry aspect is more baked. There are also tertiary, beefy aspects on the palate, which lacks the focus and purity of the 2015. Fabrice Renner has been selling this wine in St-Louis, France since 2001. ‘Clearly, we see an improvement in quality with the 2015,’ he notes. A blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, also aged in 50% new oak.
Drink 2018-2022 Alc 13.5%
‘It’s not just the big names that are making wine with greater precision’