Le Crock 2016 (750ML)

94 DE / 94 WE / 93 WI / 93 JS / 92 VM / 92 WS / 16.5 JR

Clearly standing out in this line-up, an impressive, well-crafted wine with great tannic hold; a wine you would be thrilled to own. Cassis, bilberry, blackberry, hawthorn, black chocolate, slate. Great texture and balance, and full of St-Estèphe signature. Great stuff. - Jane Anson, Decanter

Under the same management as Château Léoville-Poyferré in Saint-Julien, this estate belongs to the Cuvelier family. With its structured Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is made to age. Big tannins and concentrated fruits are full and dense. It will be ready to drink from 2025. Cellar Selection. - RV, Wine Enthusiast

The 2016 Le Crock is deep garnet colored. It bounds out of the glass with eager-to-please notes of crushed blackberries, warm cassis, and chocolate mint, plus wafts of violets, licorice, and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is grainy textured and refreshing, delivering tons of crunchy black fruits, finishing on a lingering earthy note. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

The purity of the cabernet sauvignon is very evident here with currant and floral character. Full-bodied, firm and very polished with lovely, strong tannins. Muscular and polished. Give it three or four years to come together. Try after 2023. - James Suckling

The 2016 Le Crock is a very pretty, fruity wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring. Bright red cherry and plum fruits are nicely pushed forward in this mid-weight, gracious Saint-Estèphe. All the elements are very nicely balanced. Floral overtones add to the wine's considerable appeal. In 2016, Le Crock is pliant and supple, both of which make it an absolute joy to drink now and over the next handful of years. -- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Well-built, featuring dark plum and blackberry coulis flavors that impart a dark yet racy feel, while light charcoal, chalk and wet pebble notes keep the finish grounded in terroir. An echo of tobacco rings throughout. Best from 2023 through 2033. - JM, Wine Spectator

Tasted blind. Some roundness and subtlety. Very superior and luscious. Inky finish but real drive and character. - Jancis Robinson