665. Château La Pointe, Pomerol, 1998

£25; 12.5%

One added to the Princess first lot by Paul buying from his Dad’s stocks. Apart from the stupidly huge label, it actually turned out to be alright, albeit a touch rustic. Medium garnet. Subdued nose – core of plum fruit with gamey blood notes, hints of cedar, and almost Demerara oak & clove spice. Medium-bodied, with a silky entry. Medium acidity at least. But slightly grainy, rustic, medium tannins emerge at the medium length finish. Red-fruit entry becomes smokier and darker through the mid-palate. Mature. I’ll drink the other bottle, rather than cook with it!