2021 Château La Croix St. Georges, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Critics reviews
From a 4.5-hectare vineyard on the plateau of Pomerol adjacent to Le Pin and one of La Fleur-Pétrus's parcels, the 2021 La Croix St Georges offers up pretty aromas of cherries, raspberries, rose petals and violets, framed by a discreet patina of spicy new oak. Medium-bodied, ample and fleshy, with supple tannins and a lively spine of acidity, it's a charming, characterful middleweight from a prime terroir. Tasted twice.
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (May 2022)
About this WINE
Chateau La Croix Saint Georges
The small vineyard of Château La Croix Saint Georges is superbly sited on the gravel of the high terrace opposite Château Petit Village and between the vineyards of Vieux Château Certan, La Croix and Le Pin. On the facade of one of the wine buildings, a very fine equestrian sculpture is a reminder that this estate belonged to the Order of Hospitaliers of Saint John of Jerusalem.
The soils are rich in clay and gravel the wines are bottled with no fining or filtration.They are distinguished by their finesse, elegance and softness. The House of Joseph Janoueix owns this property.
Pomerol
Pomerol is the smallest of Bordeaux's major appellations, with about 150 producers and approximately 740 hectares of vineyards. It is home to many bijou domaines, many of which produce little more than 1,000 cases per annum.
Both the topography and architecture of the region is unremarkable, but the style of the wines is most individual. The finest vineyards are planted on a seam of rich clay which extends across the gently-elevated plateau of Pomerol, which runs from the north-eastern boundary of St Emilion. On the sides of the plateau, the soil becomes sandier and the wines lighter.
There is one satellite region to the immediate north, Lalande-de-Pomerol whose wines are stylistically very similar, if sometimes lacking the finesse of its neighbour. There has never been a classification of Pomerol wines.
Recommended Châteaux : Ch. Pétrus, Vieux Ch. Certan, Le Pin, Ch. L’Eglise-Clinet, Ch. La Conseillante, Ch. L’Evangile, Ch. Lafleur, Trotanoy, Ch. Nenin, Ch. Beauregard, Ch. Feytit-Clinet, Le Gay.
Merlot/Cabernet Franc
Merlot and Cabernet Franc are grape varieties commonly used in Bordeaux-style blends, particularly in the Bordeaux region of France. When these two grapes are blended, they can create a wine that combines the best characteristics of each variety.
Merlot is known for its smoothness, soft tannins, and ripe fruit flavours. It often contributes black cherry, plum, and chocolate flavours to the blend. The grapes are relatively easy to grow and ripen earlier than other Bordeaux varieties, making them versatile for blending.
Cabernet Franc, on the other hand, adds structure, depth, and complexity to the blend. It typically brings aromas of red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry, along with herbal notes like bell pepper and tobacco. These grapes have thinner skins and can be more challenging to cultivate, requiring specific growing conditions to reach their full potential.
When Merlot and Cabernet Franc are combined, the result is a well-balanced wine with various flavours and aromas. The blend often exhibits a Bordeaux wine's medium to full body, along with a smooth texture and moderate tannins. The specific flavour profile can vary depending on the proportions of each grape in the blend and the terroir and winemaking techniques employed.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc 5%
Jean-Philippe Janoueix has run this family property since 1999. Its 4.5 hectares of vines form an L-shape around Le Pin and adjoin Vieux Château Certain. The estate’s small scale allows Jean-Philippe to punch down during fermentation, à la Bourguignonne. He uses a variety of barrel shapes and sizes to reduce the oak influence. This is a little jewel of a wine, becoming increasingly sophisticated. The nose of the 2021 is pure peony, violet and rose; the palate is composed and vivacious. Drink 2025-2038.
Our score: 17/20
Berry Bros. & Rudd, April 2022
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee