Château La Pointe
At 23ha, this is among the largest Pomerol properties – and has improved noticeably according to Strasbourg-based French merchant Stéphan Maure. Since 2008, general manager Eric Monneret and technical manager Emilie Faniest have surveyed the soils and renovated the vat cellar. Ably advised by Hubert de Boüard of Château Angélus in St-Emilion, La Pointe is better than ever. The good news for wine lovers is that prices have not caught up. ‘Our parcel-by-parcel work in the vineyard and vat room allows us to optimise ripeness and obtain better quality tannin,’ says Monneret. Historically the vineyard was planted at a density of 6,000 vines per hectare, but in 2012, a programme began to increase density to over 8,000.
Château La Pointe 2015 93
£ 35.60-£48 Corkr, Crump Richmond Shaw, Fine & Rare, James Nicholson, Millésima The immediate oak-derived aspect on the nose becomes far more integrated on the palate and is not as obvious as with Montviel, for example. A blend of 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc that leaves the overall impression of being both supple and elegant. Superb value for money. Drink 2018-2035 Alc 14%
Château La Pointe 2005 93
£46.95 CA Rookes Another fine surprise from this estate. The plummy fruit here is more stewed than fresh in character, but the wine shows elegance and refinement in its expression of Merlot (75% blended with 25% Cabernet Franc). There are some balanced tertiary notes. It may lack some of the density of the 2015, but I still enjoyed its greater freshness and lovely sap. La Pointe shows ‘particular coherence’, according to Alsace-based wine merchant Fabrice Renner. Drink 2018-2030 Alc 13.5%