2023 Le Bon Pasteur
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Tasting notes
Ripe black fruits, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and spice all define the 2023 Château Le Bon Pasteur, a round, supple, and elegant Pomerol from gravelly clay soils on the more eastern side of the appellation. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc and aged 15 months in 70% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has a rich, layered mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. I love its overall balance and texture, and I've no doubt it will cruise for a solid two decades in cold cellars. Drink 2026-2046.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Le Bon Pasteur has come together over time. Black cherry, plum, mocha, espresso, licorice, chocolate and lavender soar from the glass. In recent years, the team here has given the wine a bit more freshness than in the past. It's an approach that works so well. As always, Le Bon Pasteur is a distinctive Pomerol because nearly 50% of the vineyards are in Saint-Émilion.
The 2023 Le Bon Pasteur has a fragrant bouquet, mainly red berry fruit, briar, light black truffle scents mixed with a touch of orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. The acidity is well judged, very harmonious with a more minerally finish than expected. Maybe not the length or complexity of a top-flight Le Bon Pasteur, though this is marginally better than anticipated.
The 2023 Château Le Bon Pasteur comes from the more eastern part of the appellation, and it has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a rocking nose of red plums, mulled cherries, tobacco, and ample spicy wood. Nicely balanced and medium to full-bodied, with good mid-palate depth and a great finish, it's another outstanding, balanced, impressive Pomerol in the vintage.
About the producer
Famed winemaking consultant Michel Rolland is synonymous with this estate. The vines here were purchased by his grandparents and he ran the property from 1979. Although Rolland still makes the wine today, he sold the estate in 2013.