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.

This is ripe, with a succulent core of braised fig and crushed plum framed by tangier iron and savory herb notes, which stay defined through the nicely racy finish. Not big, but persistent and focused. Best from 2013 through 2023. -JM

92-94 Barrel sample. A wine obviously for aging, with its severe tannins and very mineral character. It is dark, brooding, solidly ripe and powerful, with a great waft of final juiciness.——R.V.(8/9/2010)—— 93