Château La Croix Pomerol 1986

Tasting note: Château La Croix Pomerol 1986

Vineyard & Location:
Château La Croix, a classic vineyard in the heart of Pomerol, benefits from the unique terroir diversity of the region. The clay and iron-rich soils ("crasse de fer") give the wine its characteristic strength and mineral depth. Pomerol, known for its elegant Merlot-dominated cuvées, is reflected here with typical finesse.

Vintage 1986:
An outstanding Bordeaux vintage with warm, dry summers that produced structured and long-lived wines. After almost four decades of ageing, this Pomerol shows the maturity of a fully developed but still lively wine.

Appearance:
Deep garnet red with amber-coloured brightening at the rim. Clear and slightly transparent, with a delicate viscosity that hints at its maturity.

Nose:
A complex, tertiary bouquet: dried plums, figs and leather dominate, accompanied by truffle, cedar wood and a subtle smoky note. Undertones of autumn leaves, clay and a hint of aged tobacco unfold.

Palate:
Silky texture with fully integrated, supple tannins and a surprisingly fresh acidity structure. On the palate, ripe blackberries, cocoa and burnt sugar harmonise with earthy accents of mushrooms and forest floor. The mineral base is reminiscent of the iron-rich terroir of Pomerol.

Finish:
Long-lasting and savoury, with a lingering finish of liquorice, spiced tobacco and a subtle bitterness that adds depth to the complexity. The balance between fruit and column remains until the finish.

Overall impression:
A ripe, timeless Pomerol that combines the elegance of the 1986 vintage and the power of the Merlot terroir. Despite its age, the wine radiates a noble vitality, with tertiary flavours and rustic spice complementing each other perfectly. A wine that epitomises the soul of Bordeaux.

Drinking recommendation:
Serve at 16-18°C with braised lamb, duck confit or truffle pasta. Decant carefully before drinking to separate sediments and allow the flavours to develop.

Rating:
★★★★☆ (4/5) - An impressive contemporary that emphasises the longevity of Pomerol. Maturity has rounded it off without sacrificing its structure. A pleasure for lovers of classic, mature Bordeaux wines.

Note: The quality of old wines depends heavily on storage conditions. This note is based on an ideally matured bottle.