2010 Le Crock

This apparently is the second wine of the very respectable Ch Le Crock. Dark crimson with some blue still. Fragrant and concentrated and richer than many a St-Estèphe. This is no offcut but a very respectable, if youthful, wine in its own right. Deserves a bit more bottle age. A sweet, very slightly 'modern' finish but good, concentrated fruit with a backbone. The hand of Michel Rolland who consults at sister property Ch Léoville-Poyferré seems to hover. (JR)

The tiny, picturesque jewel of a property, sandwiched between Cos d'Estournel and Montrose, is owned by the same family that owns Chateau Leoville Poyferre in St.-Julien. A final blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2010 has turned out to be ripe, attractive wine with notes of sweet mocha, red and black currants, pen ink and light as well as sweet tannins. This wine is medium-bodied, elegant and best drunk over the next decade.

33% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot. Deep crimson. Leafy, cedary dark fruit. Rich, moreish, finely chewy and lovely depth of fruit allied to freshness. (JH)