Chateau La Pointe 2023

Expressive, with red fruits, damsons and herbs, topped with coriander seeds and floral notes; on the palate pleasantly fresh and light-footed, showing energy and verve, the fruit is crisp, the acidity is on point, with a long, spicy, red-fruited finish.

With a bright attack and ripe dark cherry and plum aromas, this may not be the most charming among Pomerols in 2023, but it offers fine mid-palate grip. Barrel ageing—and some cellaring—should soften somewhat raw tannins. The wine packs punch, accentuated by high-toned acidity, the low 3.58 pH in evidence. Harvest dates between 4–25 September. Ageing in 50% new oak.

The 2023 La Pointe was afforded an hour to open in the glass. It impressed out of barrel. Now in bottle, it is blessed with a pretty bouquet, disarmingly pure blackberry and blueberry fruit laced with subtle iodine scents. The palate is marked by fine tannins and a very well-judged thread of acidity that lends it sorbet-like freshness toward the finish. There is a little more weight and density on the finish than before. All in all, a Pomerol that should easily give drinkers 20 years of enjoyment.

Even better in the bottle than it was from the barrel. The wine exudes its floral bouquet with ease. The palate is packed with soft, creamy fruits balanced between freshness and elegance. Give it a few years of bottle age, and it will be even better. This is a very strong effort from the vintage. Drink from 2028-2042.

Peony floral aromatics showcase some of the easy pleasure that La Pointe has long delivered, with waves of pomegranate, creamy blackberry fruit, and the cocoa bean dusting of Pomerol. The tannins are supple. A successful handling of the 2023 vintage from director Eric Monneret and winemaker Pierre Candelier.

Score: 93–95. Ripe black fruits, a post-storm earthy feel with slightly ferrous notes and hints of blooming peony. The delicacy of the texture is matched only by its freshness and gentle acidity. You immediately want more.

So much freshness and ripeness in the bouquet of La Pointe. Floral nuances create harmony with aromas of ripe black berries and a touch of mint. Slightly creamy on the attack, the wine’s progression focuses on finesse, which is, moreover, a constant at La Pointe! The tannins emerge on the finish and, so to speak, take the wine in hand. They provide a solid backbone and go hand in hand with the crisp edge of the acidity. The result is an effective, well-judged harmony that highlights both elegance and vigour. The finish is well supported by a subtle austerity, and above all it is the freshness and persistence that are praised. A great success.

Juicy and fresh, with pleasantly bright cherry and damson plum coulis flavors that stretch out over savory, red tea and sandalwood notes. The pretty, perfumed finish lets a minerally twang reverberate gently. Nicely done. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2038. 6,330 cases made, 1,226 cases imported.

79% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc. Dark crimson. Peppery dark fruit. Savoury, almost leathery, with a red-fruited lift from the Cab Franc. Rich, ripe and chewy. Dense, with just enough freshness. (JH)