Castle Le Bon Pasteur - Pomerol 2011

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe5/2/2014

The flagship estate of Dany and Michel Rolland that was recently sold to Chinese buyers, this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as abundant aromas of sweet kirsch, cassis, licorice and plums. Full-bodied and impressively endowed, it is another successful wine in a tough vintage. It should hit its peak in 3-4 years and last 15 or more thereafter.

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/19/2014

This is full-bodied, with gorgeous berry and chocolate character. Beautiful, velvety tannins and bright acidity. Needs two or three years to soften. The clarity of fruit is exceptional here. Try in 2016.      

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Molesworththe2/11/2014

A fresh, pure, fruit-driven style, with pretty raspberry and cherry flavors, lined with rose petal and cherry blossom notes. The supple, rounded finish has a pleasant incense frame. Best from 2015 through 2025.

La Revue du Vin de France

15,5-16 / 20

the5/31/2012

Difficile de récidiver au niveau du remarquable 2010. Le 2011 ne fait toutefois pas pâle figure, car le vignoble a bien profité de l'été indien (vendanges du 13 au 26 septembre) et le trie sur table vibrante a été gagnant. Bonne prise de bois (100% neuf) avec 80 barriques en vinification intégrale.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

87-90 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe5/12/2012

Bright medium-deep red. Musky aromas of plum, blackcurrant and cedar. Juicy, sappy and stylish, combining black pepper and licorice qualities and a subtle touch of sweetness. Not a hugely concentrated wine but nicely balanced. Finishes with mounting, youthfully chewy tannins.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

15,75 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/30/2012

Couleur sombre. Nez fruité frais, mûr, vanillé et finement toasté. Bouche veloutée, au fruité éclatant. Beau milieu. Finale tannique, mais enrobée.

Decanter.com

15,5 / 20

the4/30/2012

Ripe and creamy on the nose and palate (partly the oak). Structured but a touch drying on the finish. Drink 2016-2025.

Wine Advocate

91-93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2012

The flagship estate of Dany and Michel Rolland (by the way, Rolland’s autobiography has recently been published and it is highly recommended), Bon Pasteur’s 2011 is a strong effort in this difficult vintage. Yields were tiny, resulting in a concentrated, intense wine with a deep ruby/purple color as well as notes of mulberries, boysenberries, caramel, truffles and flowers. Medium to full-bodied with adequate acidity, velvety tannins and a plush, savory, expansive mouthfeel, it should drink well for 15 or more years.

TAST

16-17 / 20

by Bettane & Desseauvethe4/30/2012

Gras et gourmand, charnu, long et distingué, tanins ronds et intenses, longueur généreuse, de l'intensité en finale.

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/30/2012

2016-2036

The Wine Cellar Insider

92-94 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2012

Chocolate, floral and boysenberry notes are easily found in the perfume. Silk and velvet tannins with rich, round textures and a sweet, ripe cocoa and fresh plum personality are found in this wine. 92-94 Pts

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/27/2012

Tasted en primeur on two occasions. The Le Bon Pasteur deserves time in glass so that it can meld together. It offers macerated dark cherries and a touch of fresh dates all cloaked in vanillary new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip on the entry. It displays saturated tannins that are quite fine, layers of toasty black fruit mingling with cassis and blueberry that lead to a rounded smooth finish. A second sample was showing a little more dryness than the first. Not as complex as the 2009 or 2010 but very seductive for the vintage. Tasted April 2012.

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJulia Harding MWthe4/23/2012

Drink 2016-2024
Smudgy cherry crimson. A little dusty but plenty of cherry fruit. Violet notes, too. Dense, chewy but the balance of fruit and structure is better than some. Spicy, thick finish. (JH)

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2012

Toasted, but with a good fleshy feel that builds nicely through the finish as plum paste, cassis and roasted apple wood notes emerge. Solid.—J.M.

Wine Enthusiast

91-93 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/6/2012

A smooth, rounded wine, this shows opulence with its rich blackberry fruit. —R.V

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/1/2012

The ripe tannins in this wine give a beautiful impression and the ripe yet reserved fruit match nicely. Full and very integrated. Elegant and sexy.