2024 Château Viaud-Lalande, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux - 750ml

Château Viaud-Lalande offers a classic expression of Lalande-de-Pomerol, the Right Bank appellation immediately north of Pomerol. Here, Merlot-led blends are prized for their supple texture, dark-fruit character and approachable structure. The 2024 Bordeaux vintage, shaped by a challenging growing season, favors wines with freshness and restraint, making this an appealing choice for those who appreciate traditional Right Bank elegance.

Blend: Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes: Ripe plum, black cherry and red currant are complemented by subtle notes of dried herbs, gentle spice and earth. The palate is medium-bodied, with fresh dark fruit, a touch of cocoa and understated savory complexity. Fine tannins and balanced acidity lead into a clean, lightly mineral finish.

Structure: Medium-bodied, with supple yet present tannins and a fresh, measured profile. Merlot provides roundness and fruit, while Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic lift and definition. The emphasis is on balance and early accessibility rather than considerable weight or extraction.

Drink Window: 2027–2033. Allowing a little time in bottle should help the youthful tannins settle, though the wine is best approached as a medium-term drinking Bordeaux rather than one intended for decades of cellaring.

Decanting: When young, decant for approximately 30–45 minutes to soften the tannins and bring out the fruit. As the wine matures, a brief decant or simply allowing it to open in the glass should be sufficient.

Château Viaud-Lalande 2024 is an inviting introduction to the Merlot-driven wines of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, offering familiar plum and cherry flavors with a refreshing, food-friendly structure. It is particularly well suited to roast chicken, grilled lamb, mushroom dishes, duck confit and weeknight dinners that call for a thoughtfully made Bordeaux.