La Pointe is one of the larger estates in Pomerol, which is not saying a great deal in an appellation of small holdings: around twenty-two hectares on the western side, close to Libourne, where the plateau's gravel gives way to sand. The d'Arfeuille family ran it for most of the twentieth century and made a soft, early-drinking style of Pomerol that never asked for patience.
1983 was warm on the Right Bank and Merlot ripened without difficulty. Wines like this one were built to be enjoyed within a decade, so a bottle still standing after forty-three years is a survivor rather than a wine at its peak. Expect a pale, brick-edged colour and a gentle, earthy character if it is opened at all.
Which is the honest way to sell an old Pomerol at this level. The year is the gift, the label is the proof, and whatever the glass gives back is a bonus.
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Producer: Château La Pointe
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Vintage: 1983
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Appellation: Pomerol AOC
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Format: 75cl
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Region: Bordeaux, France
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Style: Red
Where it is likely to be now. La Pointe was made to be drunk young, so at forty-three years the wine is a survivor rather than a performer, and it is offered as a collectible bottle without a drinkability guarantee.
Who it suits. A straightforward way to mark forty-three years — a birthday, a marriage, a career begun in 1983 — with a real Pomerol rather than a token one.
Condition. The label is very slightly damaged, a small nick or crease rather than anything serious, and the fill is high, at the very top of the shoulder.
Provenance. Bought to order from a professional European merchant. We check fill, label and capsule when the bottle reaches us and photograph it before it ships.
Delivered in 7 to 10 working days, tracked. Transit cover can be added at checkout.
Sold as a collectible item, as seen. No guarantee is given on drinkability.
