Love the seductive nose of ripe blackberries, pomegranate and baking spices. Ripe and rich, the dry tannins balance the extravagant body beautifully and give this some real charisma. Long, very ripe and creamy but focused finish. Drink or hold.

The black fruits, cassis and bilberry notes are more clear than with the Fleur de Gay, and the notes of austerity are also more in evidence, along with tight tannins. This wine is well balanced between spice, acidity and fruit, although it needs a few years to relax and emerge from tannins that are currently on full alert. The silky texture and structure are impressive as it unwinds. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-la-croix-de-gay-pomerol-bordeaux-france-2016-11077#2OzGPRrwfpi60ATb.99

The 2016 Château La Croix de Gay is, I suspect, the finest to date for this estate. Almost all Merlot (there’s 5% Cabernet Franc), it has a beautiful nose of dried flowers, truffle, smoke tobacco, and both sweet red and black fruits. About as seamless as it gets on the palate, with terrific elegance, it’s a thrilling Pomerol that has real class. It’s beautiful today and will be beautiful in 15-20 years as well.

Fleshy and still youthfully balled up, with raspberry and cherry paste notes behind a wall of roasted apple wood and sandalwood. Features floral nuances buried within and a bright mineral flash on the finish, so let this unwind in the cellar. Best from 2022 through 2035. 2,165 cases made. — JM