2022 Chateau La Pointe, Pomerol

Lovely balance to this wine and you see polished tannins with ovaltine and hazelnut character. Medium body. Juicy. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.

An open and welcoming nose, supple tannins and natural concentration to the creamy raspberry and red cherry fruits. Grilled cedar, vanilla bean, coffee, plenty of juice, this is a great vintage to get to grips with the improvements that have been happening at La Pointe, and it's a delicious wine with appellation signature. Eric Monneret director, Pierre Candelier winemaker.

The 2022 La Pointe is matured in 50% new oak with 14.2% alcohol, the pH, 3.7. The Cabernet Franc had little juice and was difficult to extract, hence the blend of 84% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc. It has an impressive bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, hints of dark chocolate and liquorice. It is well-defined with neatly integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with a granular entry, quite saline, touches of white pepper infusing the black fruit. Graphite and light peppery notes, not a "heavy Pomerol" but tensile with an overtly spicy finish, very saline on the aftertaste. Élevage should smooth its edges, so afford this La Pointe 4-5 years in bottle.

The 2022 La Pointe is plump, juicy and super-expressive. Succulent red cherry, plum, cedar, spice, tobacco and dried herbs are nicely laced together. Bright acids liven up the finish. This charming, mid-weight Pomerol has a ton to offer.

84% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. Deep crimson. Lovely perfume of non-sweet black fruit and a stony freshness, with the Cab Franc adding an attractive, lightly leafy red-fruited lift. Not as powerful as some but it is harmonious in a more gentle style. (JH)

84% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Notably fragrant – almost floral. Not the most concentrated, nor the freshest, but a pretty wine with no rough edges. Just a slight suggestion of super-ripe fruit. And not that much tannin. Sightly messy finish. (JR)