Chateau Vray Croix de Gay 2016

Features solid plum and boysenberry fruit at the core, though this is wrapped in a fair amount of slightly grainy apple wood and balsam notes, while flashes of anise and herb fill in where they can. A little shy on finesse. Best from 2022 through 2030. 750 cases made.

This is a well put together wine with succulent fruit, depth and balance. The nose is subtly aromatic with dark fruit, mint and liquorice notes. The palate is smoothly textured, the tannins very fine. Overall, it is both serious and seductive with the sort of benchmark elegance the château would like to repeat.

Very fragrant, but slightly on the sweet side, this is a lavish Pomerol with some nice tannins and acidity coming through at the finish. Drink or hold.

2018 will be the first certified biodynamic vintage, converted thanks to François Pinault's minority (so far) participation in this plus Siaurac (Lalande de Pomerol) and Le Prieuré (St-Émilion). The woman who converted Latour and Grilletto to biodynamics did the same here. Rather sumptuous texture. Lots of freshness too. Very pleasing indeed. (JR)

The 2016 Vray Croix de Gay is just as stunning from bottle as it was from barrel. Sensual, silky and super-refined, Vray Croix de Gay is positively stellar. A rush of inky red and purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice lifts from the glass in a beautifully nuanced, sensual Pomerol. Today, the 2016 is sublime and also a touch more finessed than it was from barrel. That is what élevage is for, after all.

Medium-bodied, silky, elegant and earthy, with just enough cocoa and roses to sing Pomerol, this wine hits the spot when you’re seeking a sensuous experience in a glass.

Deep purple with a violet rim. What a perfume of ripe morello cherries, followed by raspberry purée and plenty of violets. On the palate, a silky texture and impressive depth, paired with noble minerality and incredible finesse, already in perfect balance. The breed gives it that final kick on the finish – for me, one of the positive surprises of the vintage. Best Buy! 18.5/20

Kunz barrel sample 17: (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) Fresh, elegant, subtly opulent bouquet of cherries, pralines, mint, nougat. Powerful, fruity palate with a velvety structure, intense sweet aromatics, plenty of fine tannins, fresh and diverse aromatics, long, powerful finish. Has room to improve.

with finesse, supple, crisp ripeness.

Small black fruits, blackberry, blueberry, floral. Taut, lively palate with a lovely crunchy juice, supple tannins, and great length.

Garnet red with violet highlights. Pleasant, delicate bouquet with fruity and floral notes. On the palate, the wine is elegant, delectable, and perfectly balanced. The tannins are nicely rounded, and the wine is already very tempting... and I really wonder why one should resist it! Pleasant freshness on the finish.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Fruity nose, pure, fresh, and ripe. Savory palate with a silky body, normal density, slender in style, fleshy and seamless. Good length.

91–93. Barrel Sample. This is a perfumed, juicy wine, with a dry core that's balanced by crisp black-currant fruit. It's spicy, fruity and fresh in bright acidity. Structured, yet fruity, the balance is just right.