2021 Ch La Croix Saint Georges, Pomerol

DUE OCT 2024

From a 4.5-hectare vineyard on the plateau of Pomerol adjacent to Le Pin and one of La Fleur-Pétrus's parcels, the 2021 La Croix St Georges offers up pretty aromas of cherries, raspberries, rose petals and violets, framed by a discreet patina of spicy new oak. Medium-bodied, ample and fleshy, with supple tannins and a lively spine of acidity, it's a charming, characterful middleweight from a prime terroir. Tasted twice.

This 4.5-hectare vineyard, located on the plateau of Tropchaud next to Le Pin, is defined by clay-rich gravels. At the time of this writing, it's entirely planted with Merlot, as a small block of Cabernet Franc (which contributed to the 2021 blend) was planted at too high a density to sustain the hydric stress that's common at this site and had to be ripped up. There are four fermentation vats in the cellar, adapted for punch-downs and equipped with temperature control, and maturation is in barrels from Burgundian coopers and Austria's Stockinger as well as some local suppliers. Proprietor Jean-Philippe Janoueix crafts rather textural, gourmand wines here, as one would expect given the site, but it's also one of the more seamless, restrained bottlings in his range these days. The combination of a prime location with thoughtful winemaking create an estate worth following.

91-93 points William Kelley robertparker.com

Kicks off with a rich damson puree sweetness, but the grilled oak notes come in a little too strongly, throwing things off balance and suggesting over-extraction of not-fully-ripe fruits.

85 points Jane Anson janeanson.com

This is very beautiful for the vintage, with blackberry and blueberry aromas. Medium body, a pretty center palate and green-olive and spice character at the finish. Wonderful depth and length for the vintage. 91% merlot and 9% cabernet franc.

93-94 points jamessuckling.com

89-91 vinous.com