| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 1.6 hectare vineyard is owned by the family of the late Catherine Péré-Vergé (of Chateau Le Gay) although 0.3 hectares are not currently in production. Only a few hundred cases of luxurious Pomerol are made here annually. The property is situated in between Le Pin and Trotanoy, and planted with 100% Merlot from 50 year old vines. The fruit is de-stemmed by hand by 50 people with micro-vinification and elevage in 100% new oak. In 2018 the yield of 25 hl/ha will produce about 5000 bottles
Another magical wine from this hallowed appellation, the 2018 Château La Violette reminds me of a great vintage of Le Pin with its sexy, exotic style. Gorgeous notes of crème de cassis, mulled black cherries, graphite, cedar pencil, leafy herbs, and hints of truffle give way to a medium to full-bodied Pomerol that has silky tannins, a multi-dimensional, layered mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. Offering that rare mix of opulence and finesse, this beauty needs 4-6 years of bottle age and is going to evolve for 25+ years.
The 2018 La Violette is a Pomerol that felt tight when I tasted it from barrel, and now in bottle, there is still something uncharacteristically reserved. However, that does not disguise the wonderful raspberry and wild strawberry fruit that gradually unfolds. Lo and behold, after 12 hours, this is singing. The palate is very well balanced with slightly tarry black fruit and a fine bead of acidity. Quite taut and linear but with good weight and palpable mineralité on the finish. La Violette has gained more intellect and complexity in recent vintages and though I do not believe this is the greatest ever produced, it is a superb wine for the vintage that may merit a higher score with bottle age. 2023 - 2045
The nose is floral at first, showing violets and notes of graphite, spice and smoke. Complex and deep. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a gorgeous, velvety texture, elegant tannins and a clean, savory and very long finish. Needs at least three or four years to come around.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 La Violette reveals delicate notes of rose hip tea, underbrush and wild sage to begin, opening out to Black Forest cake, plum preserves and blackberry pie scents plus wafts of cedar and cinnamon toast. Big, full and voluptuously fruited, it has a firm structure of plush tannins and background freshness, finishing opulent.
This is full of savour with a gourmet edge that’s imprinted in its DNA; it has seductive fruit and flower aromatics with a silky texture alongside powerful tannins and the generous richness of the vintage. You don't just pass by this wine, it makes you pay attention – it’s Pomerol seduction straight up and signature Péré Vergé style, reminding me again that one of the brilliant things about 2018 is that estates were able to really pick their harvest dates giving them choices and the ability for people to deliver on signatures.
Drinking Window 2026 - 2040
Deep purple in the glass, this has an evocative nose of creamy vanilla, blueberry pie and fresh violets. The palate is voluptuous and opulent, with velveteen tannins and chocolatey, creamy fruit that leaves no hard edges. This hedonism is matched by elegance due to vibrant acidity and superb integration of spice and structure. The notes of espresso and smoke are subtle and subsumed by the expansive, enduring notes of blue and black fruits, which linger on a very long finish. Very impressive once again.
The 2018 La Violette has a fragrant bouquet with raspberry coulis, wild strawberry, peony and light sous-bois aromas, perhaps tighter than expected, although that is probably due to its evolution in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins. This feels creamy in texture with a fine bead of acidity, fleshy and ripe with blueberry and cassis notes on the smooth finish. Sexy. 2023 - 2045
This depth of fruit here is fantastic with so much berry, fig and wet-earth character, not to mention the mushrooms. Full body and polished, chewy tannins. Long and flavorful finish.
Made by the team at Le Gay, the tiny production, garagiste-styled 2018 Château La Violette is another magical wine, offering a saturated purple color, heavenly notes of black and blue fruits, smoky oak, chocolate, and earth, full-bodied richness, and layers of polished tannins. Despite being a big, powerful wine, nothing is out of place, it has thrilling purity, and is a gorgeous wine any way you look at it. Buy it if you can.
