La Violette 2022 (750ML)

96-97 JS / 94-96 VM / 94-96 WI / 95 JA / 94 DE / 91-93 WA

Firm and layered with very fine tannins and impressive blackberry, dark chocolate and spice character, yet it is very reserved and beautiful. Medium to full body. Refined tannins and a savory finish. A sleek and linear beauty. Terrific potential here. - James Suckling

The 2022 La Violette was picked 5 and 6 September at 23.8hL/ha with malo in new barrels as usual. It has an intense bouquet with black cherries, iodine and light violet scents. It is much more refined and less ostentatious than the style of this Pomerol a decade ago. The palate is medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Very pure black fruit, finely judged acidity, a La Violette that is going out to seduce. Fine length and persistence, this deserves several years in bottle, representing a modernstyle Pomerol. This feels very well executed. 4,000 bottles produced. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

All Merlot vinified and aged in mostly new barrels, the 2022 Château La Violette is another killer wine. Red and black fruits, chocolate, truffly earth, and classy oak all shine in this medium to full-bodied, remarkably well-balanced Pomerol. As with the Le Gay (made by the same team), this shines for its purity, balance, and elegance while still bringing ample density and depth. - Jeb Dunnuck

Compelling depth of fruit, with appealing greengage plum and damson on display, this conveys the heat of the vintage, but sets it against velvety tannins that have enough texture in them to slow things down and draw the flavours out through the palate. Mint leaf and eucalyptus bring cooling relief on the finish, and this is mouthwatering and exuberant at the same time. A great wine in the vintage, keeping the seduction of Pomerol alive and well, from a 2ha site. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Potent and perfumed on the nose, intense and concentrated. Full and forward but lively and juicy with the high acidity balancing the density and concentration really well. Almost sour blackcurrants and black cherries, just shy of austere given the high acidity, that also is quite tense towards the finish so it's kept very much in check. Lovely crushed stone grip with some minerality and a serious hit of spiced clove, cinnamon, cedar and toast on the finish. A bold wine, typical of the style, but lifted by the juiciness and acidity. Lots going on with great ageing potential. Rolland & Associés consultants. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

The 2022 La Violette delivers notes of cherries, sweet berries, petals and toasty new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and rich palate framed by generously extracted tannins. While it's far from a blushing violet, it's comparatively restrained by this estate's standards and represents a wellmade wine in its style. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate