Weather conditions
A year of contrasting weather that gave birth to a great vintage :
The winter and spring were particularly wet, more rain falling over the first six months than we usually record in a whole year. A fortuitous window of fine weather allowed the flowering to take place in good conditions but the wet period made it generally difficult to access the plots for the vine care tasks : it was a real nightmare for the vine workers.
Luckily, a bubble of high pressure settled in the Bordeaux area from mid-July, with anticyclones remaining right through to the end of harvest-time. Only a few welcome showers refreshed the vineyards. The high summer temperatures were not as extreme as during the heat wave of 2003, and were tempered by the generous water reserves in the subsoils and by the sufficiently cool nights. The vines adapted to the situation with no visible signs of suffering, thanks to their deep root system and the appropriate work on the soils. These dry weather conditions augured well for the quality of the crop but meant we had to expect low yields.
The Merlots were picked between 17th September and 2nd October. With the exception of a plot of young vines harvested on 24th September, the Cabernet Francs were picked on 4th and 5th October. The harvest atmosphere was calm as we picked in optimum conditions. The grapes from different plot types all showed remarkable quality with even maturity levels. The colour was intense and the thick skins offered generous, fleshy, ripe tannins. The alcohol level was slightly above the average of recent vintages and was beautifully balanced out by the freshness brought by the natural acidity.
Tasting comment
“Château La Pointe has produced a rich second wine here. This 2018 is elegant and remarkably smooth. The robe is beautiful, intense and brilliant with a deep crimson colour. The nose brings a palette of wild fruit (little black cherries and mulberries …) as well as a floral side with notes of wallflower and violet. In the palate the entry is velvety, smooth and pleasantly sweet. A refined vintage, offering liquorice aromas through an extremely flavoursome finish.”
(March 2019, Primeurs tasting comment by Hubert de Boüard de Laforest)