2018 Chateau La Pointe, Pomerol

The 2018 La Pointe needs some coaxing from the glass, eventually offering scents of blackberry, truffle oil, hints of mint and violet. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe black fruit mixed with cedar and graphite, nicely focused with a gentle grip on the finish. I appreciate the spiciness that lingers on the aftertaste and it should evolve into a fine Pomerol.

The 2018 La Pointe is a supple, easygoing Pomerol to drink now and over the next few years. Sweet red berry fruit, cedar, new leather, dried flowers and tobacco are all nicely layered. Medium in body and charming, La Pointe has plenty to offer. This understated, gracious Pomerol could very well surprise somewhere down the line.

Composed of 74% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 La Pointe has a deep garnet-purple color and quite a cedary nose to begin over a core of warm black cherries, blackberry pie and spice cake plus nuances of mossy bark, pencil shavings and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and soft freshness enveloping the muscular, savory layers, finishing a little drying.

74% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc. Deepest crimson. Lively dark-red fruit and a hint of lavender. Tight, fine and dry, much finer in tannin texture than the majority of Pomerols but it is slightly hard/bitter on the finish. (JH)