Very fragrant, but slightly on the sweet side, this is a lavish Pomerol with some nice tannins and acidity coming through at the finish. Drink or hold

The 2016 Vray Croix de Gay is just as stunning from bottle as it was from barrel. Sensual, silky and super-refined, Vray Croix de Gay is positively stellar. A rush of inky red and purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender and spice lifts from the glass in a beautifully nuanced, sensual Pomerol. Today, the 2016 is sublime and also a touch more finessed than it was from barrel. That is what elevage is for, after all.

This is a perfumed, juicy wine, with a dry core that's balanced by crisp black-currant fruit. It's spicy, fruity and fresh in bright acidity. Structured, yet fruity, the balance is just right.

Features solid plum and boysenberry fruit at the core, though this is wrapped in a fair amount of slightly grainy apple wood and balsam notes, while flashes of anise and herb fill in where they can. A little shy on finesse.