François Thienpont, La Petite Etoile, Lalande de Pomerol, Bordeaux, France, 2020

Producer Profile

François Thienpont represents one of Bordeaux’s most respected wine families, with deep roots in the Right Bank and a passion for authentic, terroir-driven wines.

Guided by strong family values, the estate focuses on producing approachable yet characterful wines that express the identity of their origin with honesty and precision. Vineyards are managed with a strong respect for terroir, aiming to preserve the distinct character of each site. Careful vineyard work promotes healthy fruit, balanced ripeness and the pure expression of Bordeaux’s diverse soils and appellations. Winemaking is centred on authenticity and balance, allowing fruit and terroir to take centre stage. Traditional Bordeaux expertise is combined with a thoughtful, measured approach to create wines that are expressive, elegant and true to their origins.

Viticulture

Crafted for lovers of great Right Bank Bordeaux, this Lalande de Pomerol reflects the appellation's gravelly, free-draining terroir, which lends finesse and elegance to the Merlot tannins. Produced through the close collaboration of François and Guillaume Thienpont, the wine embodies their shared philosophy of creating wines of balance, depth and complexity. This is the second wine from L’Étoile.

Winemaking

Fermented in stainless steel tanks, with 80% of the wine aged for 12 months in seasoned 225L French oak barrels.

Tasting Note

The bouquet opens with aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and blackberry, layered with subtle notes of violet, cedar, graphite and sweet spice. The palate is supple and refined, offering concentrated dark berry fruit, hints of cocoa and liquorice, and finely textured tannins that carry through to a long, poised finish. Rich yet graceful, it showcases the distinctive character and sophistication of Lalande de Pomerol.

Food matching

Grilled ribeye steak, herb-roasted lamb, and pan-seared duck breast, while its structure and subtle oak influence also complement mature hard cheeses such as Comté, Manchego, or aged Cheddar.