Chateau Vray Croix de Gay 2021

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Soft-textured, chocolate-covered plums, licorice and sweet, black cherries show quite well on the nose and in the lush, polished, silky, dark-edged, plummy palate with a touch of chocolate that comes in on the endnote. The wine blends 80% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2024-2042."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Charming and sensual, the 2021 Vray Croix de Gay offers up aromas of plums, sweet berries and peonies, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless palate. A blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, this generous Pomerol will offer a broad drinking window."

DECANTER: "Beautiful florality and sweetness on the nose, I love the fragrance here. This is lively and floral on the palate with tannins that are smooth but provide a supple grip and structure. It's not the most weighty in the mouth, or layered, but does have well-sculpted fruit and well-balanced acidity. A hit of cinnamon, liquorice and clove comes in on the finish. Gentle, with lots of tantalising aspects which will benefit from ageing."