Freddy R. Troya

9.0

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! — 2 days ago

Jol

9.2

37 ans Moins de nez mais suave et profond — a month ago

Mark S.

9.1

Black currant, berry and cherry. Concentration. Deep. Slight earthy. Traditional Pomrol. OK to drink. Château Gazin 20 @, , 250716 — 2 months ago

DAL 9000

9.3

Dusty earthy bouquet of mild plums and dark fruit. Medium middle of plums, vanilla and toast? Finishes with a dry long earthy finish. Typical of old world. pronounced turn oh foy. — 11 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

This was youthful, polished that needed some air to open & show red, black fruits, plum with notes of graphite, mocha, earth, sweet, savory spice & tobacco. — 25 days ago

William Lauder

9.1

Still drinking well after many decades. — 23 days ago

Ron Siegel

9.3

Red & black fruits with savory spice, graphite & tobacco. — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.7

1st time trying Petrus. Bliss. Just bliss. — 2 days ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.0

Hi Everyone. FYI I am now a resident of Miami! Please reach out if you are ever in town!

@Ron R maybe we meet in the. #305?

This wine is somewhat unapproachable. Not much fruit even on the front. There are a few attractive notes (dark chocolate) but it's chopped off, no secondary, no tertiary.

90+ points — 25 days ago

Seiichi Kurumizawa

8.9

大阪　串揚げ　ロッカクテイ — a month ago