Wines Lalande-de-Pomerol Château La Commanderie - 2018

Château La Commanderie 2018 is a red wine hailing from the prestigious Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC, a sought-after appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank. This vintage draws mainly on Merlot, which imparts roundness and plush fruit, supplemented often by Cabernet Franc and sometimes a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and aromatic lift. The 2018 vintage is noted for its superb ripeness, offering concentrated fruit thanks to a warm, consistent growing season. In vinification, careful sorting and controlled maceration are employed to balance the expressive fruit with fine, supple tannins, while sensitive ageing in oak barrels brings depth and subtle spice to the final blend.

Lalande-de-Pomerol itself is set just north of the famed Pomerol appellation, benefiting from a similar terroir at somewhat more approachable prices. The region's soils are varied, a mosaic of sandy, gravelly, and clay-rich patches, the latter particularly ideal for Merlot. The temperate, oceanic climate, moderated by proximity to the Dordogne river, promotes slow, even ripening, allowing grapes to attain both complexity and aromatic finesse. The area’s viticultural history stretches back to the Middle Ages, and estates like Château La Commanderie maintain traditional practices while embracing precision and quality.

A wine of this style and provenance pairs beautifully with classic dishes from southwest France, such as duck confit or a rich cassoulet. Roast lamb, grilled rib-eye steak, mushroom truffle risotto, or even a hearty beef stew will also highlight the wine’s plummy fruit and polished tannins. Regional cheese like Saint-Nectaire or Cantal provides a local touch to finish a meal.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Château La Commanderie 2018 at 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour will help reveal its nuanced bouquet of black fruit, violets, and gentle oak spice. While already approachable, this wine will reward a few more years of cellaring and can evolve gracefully for up to a decade.