Château Vray Croix de Gay 2014

Striking aromatic quality with floral notes; the maturation has provided the necessary polish, and the tannins have pedigree.

The 2014 Vray Croix de Gay has an almost timid bouquet at first, and it necessitates coaxing it out from the glass, because there are certainly some pretty red berry fruit here, laced with black truffle and smoky scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and quite lithe tannin. It has pretty dark cherry and black plum fruit, a keen line of acidity, and then a surprisingly strict and linear finish that suggests it will benefit from another three or four years in bottle. This is a well-crafted Vray Croix de Gay.

This has a good beam of raspberry, bitter plum and singed anise notes forming the core, all backed by an apple wood edge that lends a slightly toothy feel to the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2019. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 775 cases made, 194 cases imported.

The colour is red with a light rim. The nose is open and expressive with red berry, mint and chocolate notes, moving to tobacco with aeration. The palate is round, sweet and gourmand with light but fine tannins and similar aromatics to the nose. Medium-bodied, this is an easy, classic style that is already drinking well.

Two plots, very well sited. 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Super-fragrant cherry fruit. Sings with freshness and gentle fruit sweetness. Tannins are pretty supple already, a gentle wine but not insubstantial. Elegant and very polite and still has good length. (JH)

Plummy, medium-bodied, soft and fresh, with a ripe, plum, earthy and smooth, chocolate-dusted black cherry finish. 89-91 pts

Quite deep ruby red. Floral and dark fruity nose with violet and dark plum, still a bit youthful and closed. The palate is dense and concentrated with good weight, integrated tannin, fresh dark fruit, a hint of oak, and a long, muscular finish. Good potential.

Lightened garnet with medium density, fine rim. Very restrained nose, slightly floral and (even a bit less…) fruity. On the palate, it shows more muscle than flesh, with unripe tannins emerging on the finish. An absolutely weak performance from this Cru, now affiliated with the Latour family.

This wine is beginning to unfold a full floral aromatic profile with a spicy touch and an increasingly silky texture.

The first vintage produced under the guidance of Jean-Claude Berrouet, 2014 stands out for its elegance and its delicious finish.

The nose is vegetal, the palate as well, and it dries out. The wine shows very poorly. Needs to be revisited.

Here is the number one outsider on the Right Bank! Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Fruity, refined, and suave nose. A very beautiful, extremely fruity entry on the palate, then the wine unfolds with meticulous texture and a gentle progression. Very tasty and fragrant, it finishes long and sappy on a fine grain. A delicate, subtle, yet dense delight. Kudos to Paul Goldschmidt and his team.

89–91. Barrel Sample. This is an attractive wine, full of fruit, showing ripe notes and dusty tannins. It has a jammy, rich character finishing with rounded plum flavors.