A vivid color in the glass and heady aromatics on the nose. A nice sense of ease to this wine, it really feels as if it's not trying too hard, tannins are silky and well integrated and the fruit is just ripe with balanced acidity. Feels finessed and carefully worked, I like the delicacy of the presentation. A touch of licorice, tobacco dryness on the finish, the wood still playing a part, but this has nice potential for an easy-drinking wine in a few years.

Fine chili chocolate, mineral, spiced currants and a hint of graphite on the nose. A juicy, medium-bodied palate with juicy fruit and silky, polished tannins. Elegant and refined, with a lengthy, layered finish.

The 2021 Tour Maillet is a dense, heady Pomerol. It offers up copious dark fruit, raspberry jam, mocha, licorice and spice, all in a decidedly lush, forward style for the year. The 2021 is not super-complex, but it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.