Château Garraud
Lalande de Pomerol Red Bordeaux Blend
Lalande de Pomerol, Libournais, Bordeaux, France
Léon Nony bought vineyard in 1939, after his death in 1959, his son, Michel, then his grandson, Jean-Marc, continued his work. Blend of Merlot (93%), Cab Franc (4%) & Cab Sauv (3%), aged in French oak (25% new). Dark Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits and smoky cedar notes. On the palate blackberry flavor with toasty oak, spice & cacao. Attractive tannins, ok balance, medium+ finish ending with an oaky earthy character. Ok for price, drink now, no further aging benefit.
Léon Nony bought vineyard in 1939, after his death in 1959, his son, Michel, then his grandson, Jean-Marc, continued his work. Blend of Merlot (93%), Cab Franc (4%) & Cab Sauv (3%), aged in French oak (25% new). Dark Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits and smoky cedar notes. On the palate blackberry flavor with toasty oak, spice & cacao. Attractive tannins, ok balance, medium+ finish ending with an oaky earthy character. Ok for price, drink now, no further aging benefit.
Feb 20th, 2025
Château Garraud 2016 – Lalande-de-Pomerol
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
From the esteemed Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC, this Merlot-dominant blend (~70–75% Merlot with Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon) captures the vintage’s hallmark: ripeness, balance, and solid structure. 2016 was an excellent year in Bordeaux, producing wines with both plush fruit and age-worthy backbone. Garraud delivers an approachable yet refined style, a softer counterpart to neighboring Pomerol but still layered and complex.
(Educational edge: Lalande-de-Pomerol sits just north of Pomerol proper—sharing similar gravel and clay terroirs, yet offering more approachable, value-driven wines compared to the iconic Pomerol greats.)
Aromas & Flavors
Plum compote, ripe cherry, and blackberry unfold with notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and baking spice. The Cabernet lift adds touches of cedar and graphite, giving the fruit an elegant frame.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Polished, silky, and structured—more depth than younger vintages, with a long, persistent finish carrying spice and dark fruit.
Winemaking Notes
The estate’s clay-gravel soils provide richness while oak aging (in French barrels) adds finesse and integration. With 2016’s concentration, this vintage has the balance to age gracefully for another 5–7 years.
Food Pairing
Roast duck, grilled lamb chops, or seared ribeye. Also works beautifully with mushroom risotto or semi-soft cheeses like Tomme de Savoie.
Verdict
An outstanding vintage expression of Lalande-de-Pomerol—plush, elegant, and structured. Drink now for its approachability, or hold a few more years to see added depth and nuance. Cheers!
Château Garraud 2016 – Lalande-de-Pomerol
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
From the esteemed Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC, this Merlot-dominant blend (~70–75% Merlot with Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon) captures the vintage’s hallmark: ripeness, balance, and solid structure. 2016 was an excellent year in Bordeaux, producing wines with both plush fruit and age-worthy backbone. Garraud delivers an approachable yet refined style, a softer counterpart to neighboring Pomerol but still layered and complex.
(Educational edge: Lalande-de-Pomerol sits just north of Pomerol proper—sharing similar gravel and clay terroirs, yet offering more approachable, value-driven wines compared to the iconic Pomerol greats.)
Aromas & Flavors
Plum compote, ripe cherry, and blackberry unfold with notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and baking spice. The Cabernet lift adds touches of cedar and graphite, giving the fruit an elegant frame.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Polished, silky, and structured—more depth than younger vintages, with a long, persistent finish carrying spice and dark fruit.
Winemaking Notes
The estate’s clay-gravel soils provide richness while oak aging (in French barrels) adds finesse and integration. With 2016’s concentration, this vintage has the balance to age gracefully for another 5–7 years.
Food Pairing
Roast duck, grilled lamb chops, or seared ribeye. Also works beautifully with mushroom risotto or semi-soft cheeses like Tomme de Savoie.
Verdict
An outstanding vintage expression of Lalande-de-Pomerol—plush, elegant, and structured. Drink now for its approachability, or hold a few more years to see added depth and nuance. Cheers!
Dark fruit in the nose with blackberries and dark plums in the palate. The flavor was enhance with Colby-Jack. Mild tannins in 2024, so just a short aeration.
Dark fruit in the nose with blackberries and dark plums in the palate. The flavor was enhance with Colby-Jack. Mild tannins in 2024, so just a short aeration.
Jun 15th, 2024Blueberry, raspberry, brown sugar, lighter than expected, salinity, tangerine
Blueberry, raspberry, brown sugar, lighter than expected, salinity, tangerine
May 7th, 2023
Plums and dark fruit upfront; graphite/tannin/dry finish. Where’s the lamb
Plums and dark fruit upfront; graphite/tannin/dry finish. Where’s the lamb
Mar 25th, 2020
Dark cherry plum and tobacco to the nose...very old leather belt foward followed by chalk, clay, mushroom, green pepper and spice to the back..nice acids and medium plus finish. Was decanted for 5 hours and still highly tannic.....nice
Dark cherry plum and tobacco to the nose...very old leather belt foward followed by chalk, clay, mushroom, green pepper and spice to the back..nice acids and medium plus finish. Was decanted for 5 hours and still highly tannic.....nice
Feb 19th, 2017