2020 Ballade de la Pointe

WEATHER CONDITIONS For the third year in a row, contrasting weather announces a great vintage : The vintage 2020 is just magnificent in Pomerol generally and at Château La Pointe in particular. We had rarely seen such fantastic Merlots : beautifully ripe yet not heavy, the fruit was vibrant. As for the Cabernet Francs (24% of the blend), they were simply perfect! The 2020 vintage combines the opulence of the 2018 and the elegance of the 2019. This quality can be explained partly by unpredictable and extreme weather conditions that generated an unbelievable scenario. The generous supply of water accumulated in the soils through the winter and spring allowed the vines to face the really hot, dry summer. Then the welcome September showers re-energized the vines. The harvest began historically early on 9th September, and finished with the Cabernet Francs on 23rd September. The vinification took place in excellent conditions, with the choice of gentle extractions to produce wines offering excellent balance, silky tannins and a nice fresh acidity confirmed by a pH of 3.63. However, it would be wrong to put the success of the vintage 2020 at La Pointe down to just lucky weather. We have been working hard over the last ten years to bring back quality vine growing, even more so over practically three years now with notable improvements in our farming and environmental practices. It is becoming clear that if we adapt our work to the needs of the soil and the vines, the effects of extreme weather can be absorbed, maintaining balance in the fruit. One thing is for sure, the vines at Château La Pointe are on top form, and this 2020 vintage is a demonstration of that.