93-95. Barrel Sample. A dense, black wine with dark tannins, this is a powerful example of ripe Merlot. Its concentration and firmness will allow the wine to age well.

Lots of spice, cedar, dried flowers, and savory red and black fruits emerge from the 2018 Château La Croix De Gay, which is medium to full-bodied, balanced, and nicely textured. This is one of those wines that grows on you with time in the glass, with nicely integrated acidity and tannins, and just everything in the right place. It's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 10-12 years.

Enticing, with a mix of crushed plum and loganberry fruit that has good inner brightness, while racy anise, savory and mineral details fill in throughout. Good cut on the finish too. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030.

The 2018 La Croix de Gay is pleasantly fruity and easygoing, but not especially complex nor structured. This soft Pomerol is likely to offer its best drinking sooner rather than later.