Wines Pomerol Château Le Bon Pasteur - 1990

Viniou Reviews

Château Le Bon Pasteur 1990 is a remarkable red wine from Pomerol, an appellation renowned for producing some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated Merlot-based wines. This vintage combines predominantly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc, grown on the region’s gravel and clay soils. The 1990 vintage is particularly esteemed, benefiting from a warm growing season that produced ripe, opulent fruit and robust, velvety tannins. Meticulous vinification at Château Le Bon Pasteur focuses on gentle extraction and careful ageing in new French oak barrels, which has allowed the wine to develop richly layered aromas of dark plum, truffle, cigar box, and a hint of spice, balanced by a lingering, silky finish.

Pomerol, situated on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, enjoys a temperate maritime climate that provides mild winters and cool, relatively dry summers, ideal for slow, even grape maturation. The distinct blue clay and gravel soils are especially conducive to Merlot, giving the wines their signature plushness, concentration, and complexity. Unlike much of Bordeaux, Pomerol’s small scale and history of family-owned estates lend the region a boutique feel, with a tradition of exceptional quality enshrined over generations. While Pomerol is not classified like its Left Bank counterparts, it boasts an enviable reputation, with Château Le Bon Pasteur often standing out among its peers.

This vintage calls for equally refined pairing to match its elegance and depth. Classic Pomerol partners beautifully with dishes like beef Wellington, venison in a red wine reduction, or a rich duck confit. For something local, consider pairing with southwestern French specialities such as magret de canard or an earthy mushroom and truffle risotto. Mature cheeses like Comté or aged Saint-Nectaire also complement its savoury and truffled notes.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow its tertiary aromas to unfurl. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to capture its full aromatic complexity and plush, balanced palate.