The 2022 Le Crock reveals bright aromas of cherry, plum, cassis, blueberry and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and vibrant but youthfully firm, it`s a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. This is a strong performance from the owners of Leoville-Poyferre, now accompanied for this estate by consulting enologist Antoine Medeville. 90-92 points

Plump fruits, this has violet edging to the inky colour, and is intense, with a tannic density that is higher than usual, and layers of cassis and chocolate block through the palate. intense and concentrated, perhaps less immediately enticing than the 2019 and 2020 vintages at Le Crock, but with clear ageing potential. Serious, structured, good appellation signature. Harvest September 12 to 26 September, 21hl/h yield. 92 points

The 2022 Le Crock matures in 30% new oak including 500-liter vessels and amphorae. This is well-defined and focused on the nose. Understated at first, opening with blackberry, briar and pencil shavings aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, black pepper and graphite, taut and linear toward its almost Pauillac-like, certainly tannic finish. Excellent stuff from the l`equipe Poyferre. 91-93 points