Château La Pointe 2013

Chateau La Pointe is one of the largest estates in this particular corner of Bordeaux. But what sets this estate apart, besides the expanse of vineyards and the grandeur of the chateau, is its proprietorship. Chateau La Pointe is a rare example on the right bank of a corporate Bordeaux wine estate. This chateau sprawls across an extensive and impressive territory, with hectares of vineyards that offer breathtaking landscapes.

As for the owners of Château La Pointe, its history is marked by a succession of families and personalities. Over the centuries, the estate has changed hands several times, each bringing their vision and passion to the management of the property. These owners have contributed to the evolution and development of the vineyard, thus leaving their mark on its history. However, since 2007, Château La Pointe has been in the hands of Generali France, an insurance company. This change in ownership has marked a new chapter in the estate's history, with new investments and a new direction to perpetuate its winemaking heritage and strengthen its position among Bordeaux's top names.

The diversity of grape varieties and viticultural practices play a crucial role in crafting quality wines at Château La Pointe. Château La Pointe is a red wine crafted primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Merlot predominates in La Pointe's vineyards, thriving in the region's clay and gravel soils. Meanwhile, Cabernet Franc contributes additional structure and aromatic complexity to La Pointe's wines. Viticultural practices at Château La Pointe are meticulously tailored to each grape variety, aiming to preserve the purest expression of the terroir.

Finally, maceration at Château La Pointe is the last step before malolactic fermentation. Following this, the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, with a combination of 50% new and 50% used barrels.

"If this fleshes out ever so slightly, it could qualify as a sleeper of the vintage. This is certainly an estate on the rebound in Pomerol, after decades of disappointing and mediocre wines. This is a lovely 2013, with notes of mocha, white chocolate, black cherry jam and underbrush. It has loads of fruit and well-integrated acidity and light tannin, in a fresh, medium-bodied, easily appreciated style. Drink it over the next 7-8 years." - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate, Rating: (86-88), Drink: 2014 - 2022

''The 2013 La Pointe is missing fruit intensity on the nose as is commonplace this vintage. It feels earthy and perhaps a little subdued. The palate is better with crisp, quite sharp red cherry and strawberry notes on the entry. The tannins are quite fine and there is no sense of under-ripeness on the finish. This is an easy-drinking La Pointe to enjoy over the next 6-8 years, what you might call a "decent stab" in a very difficult growing season.'' Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (10/28/2016) Ratings: 86 Drink: 2017-2026