| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
From 17 acres of vineyard with an average vine age of 40 years emerges Bon Pasteur, the home property of Michel and Dany Rolland. No one has probably done more for high-quality wine in the world than Rolland. His home estate proves what a great winemaker he is, even though this is by no means one of the better terroirs in Pomerol. This blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc is very rich, intense and showing a lot better from bottle than it did from barrel. The wine has an inky, ruby/purple color and a beautiful nose of black fruits mixed with truffle, licorice and subtle background earth and spice. Rich, full-bodied, opulent and stunning, this has turned out to be a great success for the Rollands. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. Drink: 2015 - 2030
The Le Bon Pasteur 2012 has a fragrant, open bouquet with red cherries and orange peel - not complex but certainly seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with quite a rigid, tannic opening that comes as some surprise after the aromatics. There are touches of salted liquorice and smoke infusing the black fruit and there is a sense of untamed forcefulness upon the tannic, masculine finish that is woody at this primal stage. It should mellow throughout its barrel maturation. Tasted April 2013.
This is a seamless 2012 with fine tannins and plenty of subtle fruit. Outstanding length. Well done.
Lively pure cassis fruit, a little malty from the oak. Tough on the palate, without a deep enough layer of fruit for the drying tannins. (JH)
The elegant, softer-styled 2012 Bon Pasteur is reminiscent of the 1999 and, if it puts on some weight, the outstanding 2001. The 2012 exhibits hints of mocha, cherry liqueur, damp earth and berry fruit. Medium-bodied, round and seductive with soft tannins, this attractive, lighter-weight effort should drink well for 10-15 years.
