2002 Chateau de Bel-Air, Lalande de Pomerol

About This Wine

In France, Lalande-de-Pomerol is regarded as a satellite of Pomerol.

But if you go by the acreage devoted to grapevines (2,500 acres compared to 1,800), Lalande-de-Pomerol is the bigger appellation.

The Lalande-de-Pomerol blend from Chateau de Bel-Air is a wine that rewards the imbiber with a wonderful melding of Old World and New. The Old World aspect involves the nose, which might be perceived as slightly musty – in other words, there’s no mistaking this is a French wine. That impression quickly blows off, however, revealing a pretty palate of cigar smoke, green tea leaves, cherry and blueberry.

The wine is three-quarters Merlot – which one would expect from Pomerol and its environs – with a nice splash of Cabernet Franc to help sweeten the aroma. Small portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec round out the blend.

About Bordeaux Blend

A Bordeaux Blend is a blended red wine with six varities: Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon & 5% Malbec
• Grape Source:Lalande-de-Pomerol Appellation of France
• Aromas & Flavors:Cigar Smoke, Green Tea Leaves, Cherry and Blueberry
• When to Drink:Now Through 2010
• Food Pairing Suggestionwell-seasoned rotisserie chicken, or beef grilled over oak chips.

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