| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Wow, did I underrate this wine from cask. I thought it was outstanding, but this wine is one of the superstars of the vintage. An extraordinarily provocative, exotic nose of a florist shop intermixed with raspberry and blueberry liqueur soars from the glass of this very aromatic/fragrant wine. Dense purple in color, with silky tannins, a full-bodied mouthfeel, great nobility and palate penetration, this is a sensational, compelling Pomerol to drink over the next 20-25 years.
The 2009 La Violette has quite a high-toned and yet at the same time, slight earthy bouquet that feels fresh and lively, more black fruit than its Pomerol peers. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, quite savory with touches of dried blood and tobacco/bayleaf on the finish. The late Catherine Père-Vergé oversaw a very fine La Violette this year. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. 2020 - 2042
A little more floral than the Le Gay, with intense fruit, yet held back. Full-bodied, with lots of chewy tannins and a powerful palate. A blockbuster style.
The nose is lush packed with ripe plums. The sweetness of the fruits enriches the palate but the plum jam is nicely balanced by red cherry freshness that lifts the fruit and gives a lighter feel towards the back. Drink 2018-2035.
Poised and elegant. Aromatically shows great finesse. Beautifully textured tannins. Exquisite fruit. Long and complex. Drink 2018-2030.
Even though proprietor Catherine Pere-Verge and consultant Michel Rolland believe the 2009 is the better wine, I feel 2008 is the superior effort. Fashioned from ridiculously low yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare, the 2009 (100% Merlot) achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. La Violette appears to be the strongest wine in Catherine Pere-Verge's portfolio as it is richer than Le Gay. Soft, round, and opulent with a dark ruby/purple-tinged color, it offers up notes of sweet raspberries, black cherries, flowers, truffles, and a hint of lead pencil shavings. The 2009 will offer seductive drinking in 3-4 years, and should last for 15, but if I were a betting man, my money would be on the 2008 (and don't forget about the brilliant 2007). (Tasted three times, inconsistent notes). Drink 2013-2028.
Tasted at Chateau Le Gay. The Violette '09 has a well defined, subtle bouquet, almost understated compared to previous vintages, yet fragrant and almost floral in profile. Touches of dried apricot and Clementine just hovering off-stage. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, a wonderful sense of symmetry here although it is very linear and taut at the moment. Tightly-wound, very good grip, a touch of spice on the finish. This is a more masculine La Violette that should represent one of Pomerol's vin de gardes of the vintage. Tasted April 2010.
