2009 Château Le Crock

Sweet and ripe and open. But a bit hard and bitter on the palate. Again, the sample is too warm to do it justice. (JH)

Very dark purple. Harsh, bitter palate – all concentration but no fruit or fluidity. Drying finish. Ungracious. (JR)

A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 7% petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine tips the scales at 14+% alcohol. Dense ruby/purple, with notes of blueberry pie interwoven with charcoal, licorice, some chalky crushed rocks and a distinctive floral note, the wine is succulent, unctuously textured, and fleshy, with low acidity and layers of fruit. A sensational effort from this cru bourgeois, it should drink well for 15-20 more years. As I reported from barrel, this is the best Le Crock ever made. It’s about time, since the family that has makes such compelling wines at Leoville-Poyferre, the Cuveliers, also own this little fantasy chateau with its beautifully landscaped grounds, sandwiched between Chateau Montrose and Cos d’Estournel.