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 mostly Merlot with small amounts of Cab Franc & Cab Sauv, aged in French oak (25% new). Dark Ruby, aromas of dark berry fruits and smoky cedar notes. On the palate ripe blackberry flavor with toasty oak, spice & cacao. Fine 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 mostly Merlot with small amounts of Cab Franc & Cab Sauv, aged in French oak (25% new). Dark Ruby, aromas of dark berry fruits and smoky cedar notes. On the palate ripe blackberry flavor with toasty oak, spice & cacao. Fine tannins, ok balance, medium+ finish ending with an oaky earthy character. Ok for price, drink now, no further aging benefit.
Feb 20th, 2025Deep Ruby with aromas of red berry fruits and pepper spice. On the palate flavors of black fruits and spicy herbal notes. Lively acidity, firm tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, cacao and spicy oak.
Deep Ruby with aromas of red berry fruits and pepper spice. On the palate flavors of black fruits and spicy herbal notes. Lively acidity, firm tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, cacao and spicy oak.
Apr 9th, 2023
Château Garraud 2017 – Lalande-de-Pomerol
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A Right Bank Bordeaux built on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this Lalande-de-Pomerol delivers approachability and charm while still showing off the structure that makes the appellation such a solid neighbor to Pomerol proper. (Educational edge: Lalande-de-Pomerol is often seen as “Pomerol’s little brother,” sharing similar terroir but offering more vibrant, earlier-drinking wines at a fraction of the price.)
Aromas & Flavors
Aromatic and fruit-driven from the first pour: ripe mulberry, black plum, and dark berries lead the way, balanced by fresh acidity. The palate mirrors the nose, with plum and blackberry ripeness, subtle earthy tones, and a lively freshness that keeps it vibrant.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with polished, silky tannins that glide across the palate. Balanced acidity adds lift, while the smooth finish lingers with dark fruit and a touch of refinement.
Winemaking Notes
The 2017 vintage, challenging in parts of Bordeaux, still yielded charming and aromatic reds in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Garraud used its clay-gravel soils and careful vinification to craft a wine that balances fruit ripeness with freshness—designed for drinking in its youth.
Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted chicken, duck breast, or pork tenderloin. For a simpler take, pair with mushroom pasta or a creamy risotto.
Verdict
An easy-drinking, polished Bordeaux that’s already in its prime. Fresh, aromatic, and vibrant, yet smooth enough to please even sophisticated palates. Drink now and enjoy the elegance of Merlot-driven Right Bank Bordeaux without waiting decades. Cheers!
Château Garraud 2017 – Lalande-de-Pomerol
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
A Right Bank Bordeaux built on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this Lalande-de-Pomerol delivers approachability and charm while still showing off the structure that makes the appellation such a solid neighbor to Pomerol proper. (Educational edge: Lalande-de-Pomerol is often seen as “Pomerol’s little brother,” sharing similar terroir but offering more vibrant, earlier-drinking wines at a fraction of the price.)
Aromas & Flavors
Aromatic and fruit-driven from the first pour: ripe mulberry, black plum, and dark berries lead the way, balanced by fresh acidity. The palate mirrors the nose, with plum and blackberry ripeness, subtle earthy tones, and a lively freshness that keeps it vibrant.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with polished, silky tannins that glide across the palate. Balanced acidity adds lift, while the smooth finish lingers with dark fruit and a touch of refinement.
Winemaking Notes
The 2017 vintage, challenging in parts of Bordeaux, still yielded charming and aromatic reds in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Garraud used its clay-gravel soils and careful vinification to craft a wine that balances fruit ripeness with freshness—designed for drinking in its youth.
Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted chicken, duck breast, or pork tenderloin. For a simpler take, pair with mushroom pasta or a creamy risotto.
Verdict
An easy-drinking, polished Bordeaux that’s already in its prime. Fresh, aromatic, and vibrant, yet smooth enough to please even sophisticated palates. Drink now and enjoy the elegance of Merlot-driven Right Bank Bordeaux without waiting decades. Cheers!
Dark fruit, earth. Seemed out of balance, thin and bitter on palate. Flat finish. High alcohol content.
Dark fruit, earth. Seemed out of balance, thin and bitter on palate. Flat finish. High alcohol content.
May 10th, 2020