Nice fruity nose with blueberries, plums and ripe strawberries. Opens up with some chocolate and cedar. Full and velvety with a nice juicy acidity, pretty fruit and fine tannins. I really like the fruit and hazelnut combination on the finish. Better in 2017.

(NM89-91 points) A blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc cropped at 39hl/ha between 1st October and 8th October, the La Croix du Casse has a ripe nose of mulberry and raspberry fruit with earthy/underbrush notes developing in the glass. The palate has a soft entry with a powdery texture, the finish a little disjointed at first but gaining clarity in the glass with black plum and blueberry. Very fine.

A slightly traditional style, offering singed sandalwood and balsa wood notes, with black tea and bergamot flavors up front, followed by gentle plum and cassis fruit. The lightly smoky finish hangs on well, with a fine-grained but lightly firm structure. Drink now through 2022. –JM