No surprise that I love 2011 right bank, Pomerol in particular. Such a well balanced vintage with no extremes of anything. And this 2011 VCC could be best of class. Certainly best of what I have had, though I have not had Petrus of Lafleur. It does seem, however, that VCC and Trotanoy have closed the gap on these wines.
This 2011 VCC is impeccable. Rich nose of dank earth, toasted garlic and dark fruits. Some tobacco and chocolate notes arising. Palate is both deep and lithe, strikes an excellent balance of weight and acidic structure. Some elegant rusticity, with an earthy, grainy, mineral-laden texture. Dusty dark chocolate finish with a hint of bitterness to keep things fresh. Chewy finish, so while this wine arguably is entering its drinking window, it will glide for a very long time. This is an excellent Pomerol.
Ps. Wifey made pot roast. Now mind you, she does not cook all that often, but I will say this is a doozy. Especially on this cold, wet, rainy, miserable day, I feel like I’m in the northeast or in the Midwest or something like that, not otherwise sunny Florida. Seemed like a good Bordeaux was in order. This was the first thing I saw when I opened the fridge.
Sort of my ranking of those that I buy and try (granted, I’m not really buying Petrus). Have not had enough real experience to place Lafleur in any ranking but assume it is top of the order.
Older l’Evangile would be up there as well but newer releases got pretty modern.
Rolland absorbed Conseillante into the borg monolith with the 2014 vintage, so all bets are off there as far as I’m concerned And any Rolland apologists out there — spare us Rolland-does-his-best-work-in-the-vineyard drivel.
I have an '06 VCC I have been holding on to. Good to go? I believe the last one I opened was in the zone but it seemed like holding longer could be fun.
I actually recently enjoyed a taste of '11 VCC at the end of last year. Stunning stuff. VCC is tops for me as I love Cab Franc but the price unfortunately keeps this as a very special occasion wine.
Really happy to read this Robert. We were married in 2011 and this is probably the most premium wine I’ve acquired, and is most likely to be saved for a significant anniversary in the future. This reassures me that I’ll like it.
I think one can make a case that Petrus is no longer the sole top dog, but one of many. VCC and Lafleur should also be up there. I actually cannot think of a recent year when Petrus was wine of the vintage, and even within Pomerol, it would tough to make a case that it is the best wine in any given year. Case can be made for Le Pin, but I am putting it in the next tier.
Petrus, Lafleur, VCC
2a would be Le Pin, Trotanoy and L’Eglise Clinet
2b Conseillante and Evangile.
Finishing the remaining quarter bottle of the VCC, and felt compelled to pop another 2011 right bank for a little comparative fun. The VCC is smokin. I’ll post notes on the other guy tomorrow, after I finish the bottle!
Indeed! Wife at the beach so I’m flying solo tonight. Cycling with my buddies tomorrow. Tonight it’s just a lot of wine and leftover pot roast, which I think tastes even better today. Then a good movie.
