Château Siaurac Lalande de Pomerol AOC 2018

Château Siaurac is the largest estate in the Lalande de Pomerol appellation, boasting over 46 ha of uninterrupted vineyards in a single plot, all planted on layers of clay, sandy-clay, and gravel soils. It sits on the plateau of Néac, a geological continuation of the famed plateau of Pomerol, separated from the iconic first growth plots of Pomerol only by the Barbanne River. The estate boasts a 19th-century château and 15 ha of parkland and gardens, including centuries-old trees, an orangery, and 18th-century landscaped woods. Viticulture at the estate also dates back to the 18th century, and today is in conversion to organic farming, with biodynamic techniques also used. Expertise in the cellar is second to none, with Pénélope Godefroy from Château Latour serving as Technical Director and Jean-Claude Berrouet, former oenologist at Pétrus, as consulting oenologist. The 2018 is a blend of 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc, from vines at least 35 years old. It is aged for 14 months in French oak, of which 20% is new. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, spice, and a whiff of cool, minty herbs open the show, followed by a voluptuous palate of blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant. The texture is silky yet structured, with pliable tannins, bright acidity, and delicate nuances of cut herbs, lavender, licorice, and spice. An elegant mineral backbone leads into a persistent finish. This is drinking beautifully now, but has exceptional aging potential as well. Organically grown, low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.