2011 Château de Sales Pomerolproduct-pdf - Heritiers Lambert, Pomerol AOC, Bordeaux - Petrus' Iconic Terroir | 'Very Good' -Vinous Why We're Drinking It Five hundred years—that’s how long Château de Sales has been around and for five hundred years, this venerable estate, which also happens to be the largest in Pomerol, was owned by members of one—insanely fortunate--French family.
“Very stylish wine,” writes Vinous, “finishing with firm but ripe tannins and subtle length. Classic claret I love this wine’s grace and balance, but those looking for size and creamy flavors won’t be as impressed as I was. Another very good buy from Pomerol in 2011.” “Offers soft, pure, unadorned plum and raspberry fruit, with a lightly chalky minerality,” says the Wine Spectator.
Large by Pomerol standards, de Sales is really a big fish in a seriously diminutive pond as Pomerol covers just 12 square kilometers making it one-seventh the size of St. Emilion. The AOC more than makes up for this by the quality of wine. In 2011 a wealth of gorgeous Pomerols were produced. None provide more body and beauty for the buck than the 2011 de Sales.
Four reasons we love it: ● The New York Times writes: “It is a vintage for careful note-taking, with some very good wines…” The Wine Spectator noted the quality of fruit from the Right Bank and gave 2011 an “Outstanding” rating for this part of Bordeaux only.
● De Sales enjoys a unique terroir somewhat distinct from neighboring estates in Pomerol. The soil of de Sales’ vineyards is rich in iron oxide, called "crasse de fer" locally, which is said to impart a delicious minerality to the wine.
● This Pomerol spends only six months in barrique—another anomaly among Bordeaux chateaux. The majority of its maturation takes place in concrete vessels, which preserves the wine’s freshness and fruity character.
● The sandy soils of Pomerol work together with a colder winter and a warmer summer than is commonly found in the AOCs of the Left Bank, which are closer to the coast and therefore more temperate. These conditions cause the grape vines to struggle. And that struggle translates to more intense and complex juice!
Tasting Notes The wines possess the characteristics of their terroir: fruitiness, VARIETAL suppleness, roundness, fleshiness, and good structure on the palate. 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc or Bouchet and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon APPELLATION Pomerol, Bordeaux, France ALCOHOL 13.50 SIZE 750ml BLEND 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc or Bouchet and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon AGING/COOPERAGE 6 months of maturation in barrels, of which a maximum of 5% are new
The Story to Know Château de Sales, built in the 17th century, is the largest estate in the Pomerol appellation and has been owned by the same family for more than 500 years. Located 35 km east of Bordeaux, the vineyard of Château de Sales is situated in the northwestern part of the Pomerol appellation.
Perfect Pairings Chateau de Sales is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/bordeaux-wine-producer-profiles/bordeaux/pomerol/chateau-de-sales-pomerol-bordeaux-wine/
Ratings 93 Insider Points
Very Good- Vinous
Reviews You Know What They Say About Pomerol.
It's the land of Petrus! I don't know about you, but $1500 is a bit much for me to drop on 1 bottle. That's why I often stick to the other chateaux in the appellation. Chateau de Sales is right up my alley, and I am very pleased with the purchase. Get out your corkscrews, this wine is ready to drink!
Black currant & fresh earth nose. The palate shows blackberry, light tobacco leaf, light anise and clay minerality with a smooth mouthfeel and medium body. It has a long, savory finish. I wonder how flights to Bordeaux are looking right now?
93 Points - JZ January '18
"Bright ruby-red. Fresh aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, licorice and mint. Juicy, vibrant and tightly wound, with sharply delineated flavors of small dark berries, coffee and spices offering lovely inner-mouth perfume. Very stylish wine, finishing with firm but ripe tannins and subtle length. Classic claret: I love this wine's grace and balance, but those looking for size and creamy flavors won't be as impressed as I was. Another very good buy from Pomerol in 2011."- Vinous