A Le Pin look-alike from St.-Emilion, La Gomerie is a micro-vinification of approximately 750 cases made from a 6.2-acre parcel planted with 35-year old Merlot vines. The wine is made from extremely ripe fruit and low yields, with malolactic fermentation in barrel. To the owner's credit, it is bottled with no fining or filtration. Not surprisingly, the consulting oenologist is Michel Rolland. The spectacular 1996 La Gomerie exhibits a dark ruby color, and explosive aromatics of pain grille, roasted nuts, kirsch liqueur, and assorted black fruits. It is full-bodied, with sweet tannin, and a ripe, intensely-concentrated finish with high levels of glycerin and extract. This flamboyant, full-bodied wine should be at its finest between 2001-2018.

Very perfumed, with currant, blackberry and raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, tight and chewy. Bit hollow.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2007. -JS