Château La Truffe, Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, 2010

Jean Garde was already owner of Domaine Grand Ormeau in Lalande-de- Pomerol when he established this 2.4-hectare domaine in 2007, naming it after the aromas that are often present when a fine Pomerol is mature. The soils combine clay and gravel, a classic mix among the better growths in the appellation. The vines include 5% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the remainder being Merlot. Their average age is 35 years. Garde ages the wine in one- and two-year-old barrels to avoid excessive oakiness and allow the fruit to come through clearly. Stephen Brook: Sweet, juicy, oaky nose with cherry fruit – has flair and charm. Rich and succulent, with good density of fruit. Not an extracted style, yet it has ample structure and grip, and the acidity gives it drive, elegance and length. Unformed and rugged now but there’s admirable potential here. James Lawther MW: Serious but with an elegant, fragrant nose with violet notes. Poised and structured; fresh and long. There is power but elegance as well. Firm but refined tannins. Complex. A lovely wine. Steven Spurrier: Great expression of vineyard fruit on the nose; lifted and more terroir- than varietal-driven. Quite broad on the palate, still firm, needs time for the acidity and tannins to blend together, but a very good future.