2020 La Pointe (Pomerol)

Roses, violets, flowers and spicy kirsch notes pop in the perfume. As good as the nose is, on the palate, the wine is even better with its silky, sensuous approach. The perfectly ripe, plums and cherries offer a depth of flavor, opulent textures and a richness to the finish, along with freshness, that holds your attention making you want to take another sip. This is the best vintage of La Pointe I have ever tasted. Drink from 2024-2050. 94 points

The 2020 La Pointe has a well-defined, quite mineral-driven bouquet that opens nicely in the glass. Black cherries, raspberry and subtle violet scents, gaining intensity with aeration. The bottle opened at the chateau with Eric Monneret shows more graphite/pencil lead elements. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, linear in style, fresh with a vibrant saline finish. I appreciate the manner in which it fans out. Subtle but satisfying, this is a sophisticated Pomerol that adroitly expresses its sense of place. 93 points

Beautiful deep plum in colour, purity of black fruit expression, along with generous plump blueberry and black cherry. Strikingly concentrated but welcoming, with touches of chocolate shavings. I suggest waiting for four or five years, because there are good acidities and tannins here, and it will go the distance. A 23ha estate set across gravel, sand and clay soils, with a lot of the work tcarried out to encourage microbial life in the soils to build structure in the lighter areas of the vineyard. Technical manager Pierre Candelier, Eric de Monneret director, Hubert de Boüard consultant, 50% new oak, 3.65ph, 38hl/ha yield. 93 points