Chateau Gombaude Guillot 2016 750 mL

Description

Idon’t know if it’s the 2016 vintage—considered one of Bordeaux’s greatest of the last decade—or if this wine is in a particularly prime place, but it’s the best bottle of Gombaude-Guillot I’ve ever tasted. This stunning red is so fine I can make out a variety of spices on the nose, like milled white pepper, nutmeg, and clove. The blend is largely Merlot with just a hint of Cabernet Franc, but the latter seems to dominate; I smell stone slabs and ripe bell pepper. En bouche, this wine tastes like a bouquet of violets, a suggestion I only presume to know because I’ve tried those chalky Choward’s candies. But now I imagine that violets taste like Pomerol, which is a much more appealing prospect.

Château Gombaude-Guillot, located in the heart of Pomerol, Bordeaux, is a family-owned estate with a rich history dating back to 1868. The vineyard spans approximately 6.9 hectares and is planted with 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% old-vine Malbec. Notably, the estate transitioned to organic farming by the 2000 vintage and adopted biodynamic practices starting with the 2005 vintage.

The 2016 Château Gombaude-Guillot Pomerol is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. This vintage has been well-received by critics:

•    Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider: Rated it 90/100, noting its medium body, bright and dark plums, hints of flowers, cherry, and cocoa. He mentioned that the tannins are round, offering good freshness, but cautioned about a slight bitter note in the finish.

•    Jean-Marc Quarin: Awarded it 92/100, suggesting an optimal drinking window between 2026 and 2046.

Tasting notes highlight the wine’s elegance and complexity:

•    Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant: Described it as having a stunning array of spices on the nose, including milled white pepper, nutmeg, and clove. The palate offers flavors reminiscent of violets, complemented by a supple structure and velvety tannins.

•    Yapp Brothers: Noted a nose of pure red fruit, balanced by supple tannins and concentrated, juicy fruit flavors. Good acidity provides freshness, making this Merlot-Cabernet Franc blend approachable relatively young.

In terms of food pairings, this Pomerol wine complements dishes such as beef, lamb, poultry, and game (e.g., deer, venison).

Overall, the 2016 Château Gombaude-Guillot Pomerol showcases the estate’s commitment to quality and sustainable viticulture, offering a wine that reflects the unique terroir of Pomerol.