Chateau Plince Pomerol 2016

Château Plince is a well regarded estate in the eastern part of the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, positioned just south of the famed Pomerol plateau and neighbouring some of the region’s most prestigious properties. While it does not sit on the elevated gravel rich plateau celebrated by estates such as Château Pétrus, Château Le Pin and Château Lafleur, Plince’s vineyards are planted on slightly lower ground with deeper, iron rich clay and sandy soils that combine excellent drainage with the capacity to retain warmth and support ripeness. The estate is owned by the Moreau family, with multiple generations of winemaking history that emphasise tradition, balance and purity of fruit. The vineyard covers approximately 8.66 hectares planted predominantly to Merlot with Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, and is farmed sustainably with careful canopy work, though it is not formally certified organic or biodynamic. The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by a more favourable growing season than some surrounding years, with moderate conditions that encouraged even ripening, good acidity retention and wines with supple tannins and expressive fruit.

Château Plince Pomerol 2016 is crafted in a classic Right Bank Bordeaux style, with hand harvested grapes fermented in temperature controlled concrete vats. A pre fermentation soak gently extracts delicate aromatics and colour, while a post fermentation maceration softens tannins and builds depth, resulting in a wine with richness and integrated structure. The final cuvée is composed of approximately 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting careful selection and blending of the parcels. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for 12-18 months in French oak barrels, about one third of which are new, supporting integration of fruit, tannin and oak. In the glass it displays a medium to deep garnet colour with aromas of blackberry, cassis, gentle spice and subtle oak, leading to a balanced palate with ripe fruit and refined tannins. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, braised beef, duck and mature cheeses. The 2016 is drinking well now but can continue to evolve with careful cellaring over the next 8-12 years.