Very caressing in feel, with a silky structure that lets steeped plum, fig and blackberry fruit flavors sail through unencumbered. Subtle black tea and sweet tobacco accents fill in on the fine-grained finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030.

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.

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.

While this wine does have density and a tannic layer, its open accessible character promises medium-term aging. Ripe blackberries and acidity come through with attractive freshness. Drink from 2024.