Wines Pomerol Château L'Enclos - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Château L’Enclos 2018 is a red wine from the esteemed Pomerol appellation, situated in the Libournais subregion of Bordeaux. This vintage is predominantly crafted from Merlot, the emblematic grape of Pomerol, often complemented by smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2018 growing season in Bordeaux began with a wet spring, which challenged many producers but was followed by a warm, dry summer and ideal conditions at harvest, resulting in wines with deep colour, plush fruit, and well-knit tannins. At Château L’Enclos, traditional winemaking methods prevail, with careful extraction, moderate use of new French oak, and a focus on expressing the purity of the fruit and the nuances of the terroir. The result is a wine of remarkable depth, offering aromas of black cherry, plum, truffle, and subtle toasted notes. On the palate, it displays rich, velvety tannins, a juicy core, and the signature elegance that distinguishes top-tier Pomerol.

The Pomerol vineyard sits on the right bank of the Dordogne River, known for its small, family-owned estates and unique mosaic of clay and gravel soils. The thick clay, particularly in the best parcels, is ideally suited to Merlot, enabling this grape to reach its full potential here, giving the wines their celebrated plushness and power, alongside remarkable finesse. Pomerol’s reputation has blossomed over the past century, with many of its châteaux achieving near-cult status, thanks to their expressive, long-lived wines. The temperate maritime climate moderates extremes, allowing for steady ripening and the preservation of fresh acidity.

Pair this wine with dishes that elevate its generous texture and complex flavours. Classic suggestions include roast lamb with rosemary, duck breast with a cherry reduction, or a mushroom risotto. For a regional touch, consider entrecôte à la bordelaise or confit de canard. Pomerol’s supple tannins also work harmoniously with hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Château L’Enclos 2018 for at least an hour to allow its bouquet to open fully. Serve it at around 16-18°C. This will balance the wine’s aromatic intensity and its silky texture, enabling the intricacies of the vintage and terroir to shine through.