La Gomerie 2008

Always one of the more seductive, flamboyant offerings from St.-Emilion, the 2008 La Gomerie emerges from a 6.5-acre vineyard planted with 100% Merlot on relatively heavy sands. The vineyard is well-marked, just a mile or so from the north entrance to St.-Emilion. A dense purple color is followed by a gorgeously sweet perfume of kirsch, black currants, toasty oak, and notions of coffee as well as flowers. Rich and unevolved, with a textured, full-bodied style as well as outstanding purity, power, and length, this 2008 is likely to merit an even higher score given the late malolactics. Sadly, just over 600 cases will be produced. Remarkably, the natural alcohol of 14.5% is even higher than in 2005. La Gomerie's window of drinkability is typically during its first 12-15 years of life