Château La Croix de Gay 2011

Compact, austere, with slightly rustic tannins.

A deep ruby color is followed by a big, sweet nose of cherry jam and spice, but this wine quickly loses its energy and staying power on the mid-palate and finish. Drink it over the next 5-6 years.

Offers a juicy, focused feel, with a core of raspberry, cherry and blood orange notes wound together and backed by light cinnamon, anise and singed vanilla hints on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2019. 2,210 cases made.

89-91. Barrel sample. Here is a smoky, juicy wine, its tannins soft and gentle while also showing ripe spice and mouthwatering acidity. The dry tannins at the end provide structure.

This is a little hollow but I like the nutmeg and berry character, with hints of chocolate. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a medium finish. Better in 2015.

Dark garnet, quite dense at the core, with a ruby rim. Delicate bouquet of wild berries and rose, followed by sweet woods, black bread crust and a subtle hint of airiness. Full, textured palate with concentration true to the vintage, then a fine, not overly sweet fruit profile in the aromatic finish, subtly Amarone-like.

Deep garnet, quite dense at the core, with a ruby rim. Delicate bouquet of wild berries and rose, followed by sweet woods, black bread crust and a faint airy note. Full-bodied on the palate with concentration in keeping with the vintage, then a lovely, not overly sweet fruit character in an aromatic finish with subtle Amarone-like accents.

A sweet, subtly jammy, opulent bouquet with notes of strawberries, vanilla, tobacco and toasty aromas. A firm, dry palate with little fruit, mealy, grippy tannins, light aromatics and a drying finish. 16/20 2019 - 2026

You get the impression of power on the attack, followed by greater consistency as it develops.

A supple, vegetal wine with a wide aromatic deviation.

Fruity and flavorful wine, but with a medium body.