Bertin & Fils Clos l'Hermitage Lalande de Pomerol
The Bertin family have produced wine in Bordeaux since 1742, with three estates in different Libournais appellations - Château Cardinal (Montagne-Saint-Émilion), Clos de L'Hermitage (Lalande de Pomerol) and Château Dallau (Bordeaux Supérieur). Their vineyards are mainly planted with Merlot, together with some Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and some Cabernet Franc for aromatic complexity. Under Mme Yvette Bertin, who works with her grand-daughter Sarah Boireau, the aim is to produce full-bodied, mellow and balanced wines by bringing fresh expertise to ancient traditions.
Near the up-and-coming village of Néac in Lalande de Pomerol, Clos de L'Hermitage covers 3.10 hectares of mainly Merlot vines, with one fifth planted to Cabernet Franc, planted on argilo-calcaire soil. Grapes are harvested at full maturity, sorted, and pressed at the winery. During vinification, the temperature is carefully monitored to achieve the desired aromas and structure in the wines, before maturation in a combination of vats and casks for over a year. The wine is then allowed further maturation in bottle before release.
The style is voluptuous yet poised and well-balanced, with plump, dark cherry fruit and a meaty, savoury finish.
Try with braised beef or, better still, a meltingly tender ox cheek.
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