2009 La Croix du Casse

Purchased by Philippe Casteja in 2005, this estate has jumped significantly in quality. It is not in one of the best sectors of Pomerol, located on the lower slopes off the plateau on sandy and clay soils near Taillefer. This blend of 93% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc offers up notes of coffee beans, chocolate, Asian plum sauce and mocha. A sexy, full-throttle wine with low acidity and loads of fruit, it should drink nicely for 12-15+ years.

Wonderful aromas of black truffles and dark fruit follow through full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy finish. Intense finish. Needs at least four to five years to soften. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

Delicious berry, milk chocolate character on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a medium finish. I like how it is held back and in a more reserved style. 93 percent Merlot and 7 percent Cabernet. Borie Manoux took it over in 2005