Nestled in the fertile valleys of Bordeaux, discover the opulent and full-bodied gem, La Connivence 2009. Esteemed winemakers Pierre Chariol and Claudine Vigneau carefully craft this prestigious French wine in limited quantities, paying homage to Pomerol's illustrious wine heritage.

Vintage after a perfect growing season, La Connivence 2009 is an exquisite blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Fruit ripened to perfection, hand-harvested, then meticulously sorted to uphold the wine's eminent quality. Stellar terroir influence melds with traditional vinification techniques; cold maceration and temperature-controlled fermentation, followed by 18 months maturation in French oak barrels, and finally, unfiltered bottling.

La Connivence 2009 defines elegant decadence with its deep ruby hue, potent black fruit and truffle nose, and seamlessly integrated tannins. The opulent palate reveals an evolving complexity; a crescendo of dark berries, ripe plums, and hints of mocha with a lingering, velvety finish. Truly, a magnificent expression of Pomerol's quintessential elegance.

James Suckling (97)

At once deep and rich, yet cool and delicate with a minty freshness, this is a really concentrated and super-elegant Pomerol that's now very seductive, but has the structure and vitality to live for a long time. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

James Suckling (97)

At once deep and rich, yet cool and delicate with a minty freshness, this is a really concentrated and super-elegant Pomerol that's now very seductive, but has the structure and vitality to live for a long time. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

James Suckling (93)

Aromas of blackberry and blueberries, with Chinese spices, follow through to a full body, with firm tannins and a mineral, floral and chewy finish. Beautiful already, but needs at least three or four years to soften and open.

James Suckling (94)

Deep aromas of blueberries, spices, fresh chanterelles, and grapes ,follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a spicy finish. Intense and structured. Second wine of Montrose. Try after 2018.

Wine Spectator (95)

Supersilky and round, with lovely berry, licorice and black chocolate character. Full and gorgeous. Like it. Score range: 92-95

The Wine Cellar Insider (98)

This just keeps getting better and better. Splash decanted, this was a rockstar from the start. But 30 minutes later and it was really off to the races. The decadent texture is a show stopper. The fruit is polished velvet. There is a purity and symmetry to the wine that is impossible to miss. As it developed, notes of lilac, violets and chocolate emerged. And as hard as it is to believe, the wine gained in opulence. If you are a fan of Pomerol at its most decadent, and if you have the coin to spare, this is a future legend waiting in the wings.

Wine Advocate (95+)

An absolutely spectacular effort, the 2009 is one of the all-time great La Gaffelieres produced. One would have to go back to the 2005, 1947 or 1961 to find this level of quality from this ancient, historic vineyard planted adjacent to the walls of St.-Emilion, on the Cote Pavie. Dating back to the 1400s, this estate has been owned for over three centuries by the Malet-Roquefort family. Composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc (in the past it was two-thirds Merlot and the rest split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc), the 2009 reveals compelling elegance, tremendous intensity and opulence and more viscosity than one normally sees. Lots of kirsch, licorice, incense, truffle, asphalt, blackberry and cassis notes dominate the aromatics and flavors of this full-bodied, viscous, fabulously pure, flamboyant St.-Emilion. Drinking it now may be considered infanticide by some consumers, but it is already attractive, and should last for 3-4 decades.

Wine Advocate (100)

The deep garnet colored 2009 La Mission Haut-Brion absolutely sings of warm red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, liquid licorice, sassafras and espresso with hint of lilacs, pencil shavings and truffles. Full-bodied, rich, bold and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the palate is completely packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by wonderfully velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing epically long. Wow!

Wine Advocate (100)

The deep garnet colored 2009 La Mission Haut-Brion absolutely sings of warm red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, liquid licorice, sassafras and espresso with hint of lilacs, pencil shavings and truffles. Full-bodied, rich, bold and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the palate is completely packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by wonderfully velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing epically long. Wow!

Wine Advocate (100)

Perfect, the 2009 La Mondotte boasts an inky/black/purple color as well as sumptuous notes of incense, graphite, licorice, black cherries, blackberries, cedar and forest floor. It is extraordinarily thick and voluptuous with a cool climate minerality that gives the wine an uplift and freshness that is surprising in view of its massive fruit level and high extract. The tannins are abundant, but sweet and well-integrated, as are the acidity, alcohol and wood components. An infant at present, this 2009 requires 6-8 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades.

Wine Spectator (90)

Very polished, with an alluring incense and licorice edge to the core of supple black cherry, anise and plum sauce flavors. Suave black tea and tar hints chime on the finish, but this stays open-knit and rounded. Drink now through 2018. 4,165 cases made. -JM

Wine Enthusiast (97)

96-98 Barrel sample. A powerful, complex wine, its layers of sweetness mixed with a total dryness from botrytis. The wine is impressively rich, considerably inspired by dried fruits and spice. Certainly for aging over decades.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

96-98 Barrel sample. A powerful, complex wine, its layers of sweetness mixed with a total dryness from botrytis. The wine is impressively rich, considerably inspired by dried fruits and spice. Certainly for aging over decades.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

96-98 Barrel sample. A powerful, complex wine, its layers of sweetness mixed with a total dryness from botrytis. The wine is impressively rich, considerably inspired by dried fruits and spice. Certainly for aging over decades.

Wine Enthusiast (93)

Now owned by Cheval Blanc, this is a big, spicy wine with rich fruit, packed dates, figs and sweet tannins. It is powerful, dense, finishing with great acidity.

Wine Advocate (98)

Wow, did I underrate this wine from cask. I thought it was outstanding, but this wine is one of the superstars of the vintage. An extraordinarily provocative, exotic nose of a florist shop intermixed with raspberry and blueberry liqueur soars from the glass of this very aromatic/fragrant wine. Dense purple in color, with silky tannins, a full-bodied mouthfeel, great nobility and palate penetration, this is a sensational, compelling Pomerol to drink over the next 20-25 years.

James Suckling (100)

This is what the Medoc is all about. The freshness and delicacy of this wine in combination with its serious concentration and firm core are totally stunning. Time has already worked its magic and this is already delicious, but has decades in front of it. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

James Suckling (100)

This is what the Medoc is all about. The freshness and delicacy of this wine in combination with its serious concentration and firm core are totally stunning. Time has already worked its magic and this is already delicious, but has decades in front of it. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

James Suckling (100)

This is a crazy nose of tangerines and blueberries, with raspberries and mushroom and berries. Full-bodied, with ultra fine tannins. This wine is all about texture, with phenomenal tannins and subtle fruits that just make you think. Evocative. It is layered, yet changes all the time. I can't believe it really. Speechless. Amazes me. Try in 2020.