Weather conditions
A really unusual weather pattern gave birth to a top-quality vintage :
The growing season began in difficult conditions at the beginning of May with a wet spring that brought considerable attacks of mildew. The consequences (very localised on just a few plots) were less serious than we had feared, and the situation was luckily soon under control. There was, however, no risk of Botrytis this year, guaranteeing the crop’s good health right up to the harvest.
Following heavy flower shatter in recent years, the 2015 blossoming was quick and even, the weather conditions being excellent.
The summer was beautiful with extremely hot and dry months of June and July, auguring well for the potential of the pip tannins. It was a little too dry in some areas, however, and the first signs of hydric stress were beginning to show. Fortunately, a welcome rainstorm at the end of July allowed a rehydration until the cooler, wetter month of August when the vines could find their balance.
September was very sunny during day-time and cool at night, a beneficial combination for a regular ripening of the grapes and the preservation of a good acidity level : ideal for the balance of the wine. Rainy spells of varying proportions punctuated the month of September over the Gironde area. A storm passed over the vineyard of Château La Pointe on 14th September but there was no damage. The dry summer meant the grapes had formed thick skins that could resist the rain, allowing the vine the time to wait and ripen gradually and perfectly.
The harvest began for the youngest vines on 24th September, followed by the plots for the second wine. From 1st October, the Merlots reserved for the first wine were picked and then the Cabernet Francs on 8th and 12th October. There was no rainfall to disturb the picking and each plot was harvested serenely at the optimum moment.
Tasting comment
The colour is deep and opaque, the disk a brilliant purple. The nose first offers aromas of black fruit, cherry, blackberry, wild blueberry. After swirling there are some floral notes of wallflower and violet.
In the mouth, the attack is remarkably well structured with smooth, velvety tannins, then the mid-palate is denser, bringing tension and a flavoursome character. There is real harmony in the appetising, fresh finish.
The crisp, refined tannins, the persistent fruity notes and the natural elegance of the balance all come together to make this vintage 2015 a magnificent expression of our great Pomerol terroirs.
(March 2016, Primeurs tasting by Hubert de Boüard de Laforest)