Chateau La Cabanne 2020

JAMES SUCKLING: "A plush and polished Pomerol with sweet black berry, hazelnut and chocolate character. It’s full-bodied and layered with velvety tannins and a cedar undertone to the finish. 96% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. Try after 2026."

WEINWISSER: "Verhaltener Beginn, zarte schwarzbeerige Konturen, dunkles Edelholz, Brasiltabak und Graphit. Am kompakten Gaumen mit weicher Textur und sandigem Extrakt, engmaschiger Körper. Im gebündelten Finale blaue Beeren, Kirschkonfitüre und Estragon, kann das gute Primeur-Ergebnis nicht ganz halten."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "With a distinctive, floral nature, the wine is soft, silky and fresh, with a gorgeous purity to the fruits, elegant textures, medium-body and a fresh, sweet, silky creamy, red fruit, filled finish. This is my favorite vintage of La Cabanne since the gorgeous 2015. Drink from 2023-2045."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "A blend of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 La Cabanne has a deep purple-black color and notes of ripe, juicy black plums, fresh blackberries and black cherry compote, plus hints of star anise, clove oil and sandalwood with a touch of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich, ripe black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long with a spicy kick."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Frische rote Herzkirschen, feines Waldbeerkonfit, zarte tabakige Nuancen, mineralisch, ein Hauch von Orangenzesten. Saftig, mittlere Komplexität, feine Tannine, dezente Fruchtsüße im Nachhall, mineralischer Touch, bereits gut entwickelt."

JEB DUNNUCK: "A blend of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Château La Cabanne reveals a dense purple hue to go with intense aromatics of black cherries, ripe strawberries, new saddled leather, camphor, and sweet flowers. This pretty, medium-bodied, elegant Pomerol has light tannins, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's certainly not the biggest or richest Pomerol in the vintage, but it shines for its elegant, finesse-driven style and is impeccably balanced."

DECANTER: "A little austere, clear richness to the black cherry fruit and grilled cedar edge but things lose momentum through the mid palate. You will find more powerful Pomerols; but they have clearly worked to not push extraction, and this is easy to enjoy, with a slow build to the tannins that is attractive. A yield of 37hl/ha. No added sulphur during vinification."