2021 Château La Croix St. Georges, Pomerol, Bordeaux

Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc 5%.

Jean-Philippe Janoueix has run this family property since 1999. Its 4.5 hectares of vines form an L-shape around Le Pin and adjoin Vieux Château Certain. The estate’s small scale allows Jean-Philippe to punch down during fermentation, à la Bourguignonne. He uses a variety of barrel shapes and sizes to reduce the oak influence. This is a little jewel of a wine, becoming increasingly sophisticated. The nose of the 2021 is pure peony, violet and rose; the palate is composed and vivacious.

Our score: 17/20

Berry Bros. & Rudd