2024 Ch Le Plus De La Fleur de Bouard, Pomerol

DUE NOV 2027

2024 Le Plus de La Fleur de Boüard from Lalande-de-Pomerol is a concentrated, modern, Merlot-driven wine that pushes the limits of what this appellation can deliver. It’s the flagship cuvée from Hubert de Boüard of Château Angélus fame and is made from old vines on a single gravel and clay parcel. It’s handled more like a Grand Cru Classé from Pomerol than a typical Lalande. Production is tiny and winemaking is full throttle.

The wine is 100 percent Merlot. Vinification takes place in small oak vats with meticulous care, followed by ageing in 100 percent new French oak. The result is powerful, plush and oaky. In 2024, the wine shows rich aromas of dark plum, black cherry, vanilla bean, cocoa, toasted cedar and a touch of clove. On the palate it is full-bodied and dense with waves of black fruit and chocolate wrapped in velvet tannins. There is freshness to balance the richness but make no mistake, this is a wine that leans heavily into its opulent, sculpted style.

It’s not subtle and not for minimalists. The oak is very present now and will take years to integrate. The fruit is super ripe and polished. It’s a wine that will appeal to those who love richness and texture over restraint. For some, it will be too much. For others, it’s a masterclass in high-gloss right bank Merlot.

Food pairing would include beef Wellington, truffled mushroom lasagna, or slow-braised beef short ribs. Rich dishes are essential to match the wine’s scale.

Cellar potential is strong. It should age 15 to 25 years and may drink best from 2032 onward when the oak mellows and the structure softens.