Des Mimosas, Lalande de Pomerol 2020

Region: Pomerol

THE VINEYARD
This tiny property stands on the banks of the Barbanne river – which explains the significant percentage of gravel in the soil. On the opposite bank is the appellation of Pomerol to which the river carries iron from the subsoil, adding a note of truffle to the Merlot. Thanks to the gravel the Cabernet Franc grows beautifully here hence the high percentage in the blend. The ensemble of the terroir, skilled oak aging and manual harvest means that the wine is ripe, fruity and full-bodied. After a couple of hours in a decanter, the oak fuses with the fruit resulting in a stunning bouquet. Vinification happens in cement tanks which are slightly porous like oak and add a touch of elegance. 79% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc, aged for nine months in oak barrels (50% new, 25% 1-year-old, 25% 2-years-old).
THE WINEMAKER
The Niarfeix family has vineyards divided into three appellations, Pomerol, Lalande de Pomerol, and Montagne Saint Emilion, for a total area of 14 hectares. They arrived from Corrèze (in central France) to Bordeaux and have owned Château Chêne Liège since 1896, acquiring their other properties like Domaine des Mimosas in the decades that followed. This is a family of winemakers since 1896, making this the 5th generation of winemakers. They were born and raised on the family properties, knowing each parcel like the back of their hand. Today, their pursuit of excellence has led them to viticulture with no chemical products, producing a wine that is as natural as possible.