Château La Pointe 2024

Blackberry compote, redcurrants, citrus notes, oregano on the nose; taut palate, focused, red-fruited, light-footed, crisp, with noticeable acidity and fine tannins, a herbal finish on blood orange.

Gorgeous aromas, vivid and deep. This has nice complexity from the start, lots of salty liquorice with dark cherry and blackcurrant. Clean and precise, quite serious in terms of fruit and structure – it’s straight but not lean, with blue fruit and juicy acidity. There’s structure and persistence, with grip and lift. It’s quite classical – black fruit, mint, aniseed. Well presented. A touch bitter – the acidity comes through with raciness, but it’s well matched to the fruitiness. Good for ageing but also super approachable. Good quality. Éric Monneret director. 3.58 pH. Ageing 12 months, 50% new oak, 50% one year.

Flowers and cherries come through easily in this medium-bodied charmer. The fruits are fresh and vibrant, with zesty cherries and red plums, with crispness, chocolate, and licorice in the red plum finish. Drink from 2027-2039. 89-91 pts

Deep and intense like the garnet of a velvet drape, the nose opens with aromas of stewed red fruits and warm spices, followed by the scent of a fully blossomed rose, suave and tender. All in finesse, the texture is like a veil delicately laid over a bouquet of violets and a basket of small fruits, shielding them from the sun’s rays. Elegance and refinement are on display, with silky tannins and a fresh framework that makes the finish mouthwatering.

The nose is aromatic, offering fresh fruit, a floral touch, and harmony. It reveals notes of Boysenberry, lilac, and, more subtly, fresh wild blueberry, combined with hints of small red berries, attractive gravelly nuances, and delicate touches of fresh tobacco. The palate is fruity, mineral, fresh, and supple, delivering a certain smoothness, a tangy, velvety backbone, and precision. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy blackcurrant and violet, and, more subtly, bright blueberry, joined by hints of crushed cherry, as well as fine touches of raspberry, chocolate, tonka bean, and blond tobacco. Good length and definition. A subtle hint of vanilla in the background. A well-crafted wine.

Sappy, juicy, deep ruby red colour, grilled cedar, sandalwood oak. A slow build through the palate, velvety tannins, coupled with salinity and juice, great quality in the vintage. Since 2023 owners Generalis also have Croque Michotte in St Emilion (not tasted). Harvest 23 September to 4 October.