Juicy, fresh style, with damson plum and crushed blueberry notes backed by light spice shadings and a hint of anise. Slightly taut acidity underneath it all.¯J.M.

[46M/37CS/17PV] Crisp red fruit and mineral nose; moderately concentrated wine with a crisp acidity and firm dry tannin, in the year’s slightly more austere style; but a very nice pure, ripe-red-fruited claret to taste, refreshing and with marked fruit length. Deceptively good, with both elegance and finesse, a most successful Le Crock. 2016-26 [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

This blend represents only 41% of the crop because of the hail damage of 1st September. Harvested between the 7th and the 27th September, the Le Crock 2011 is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot and 17% Petit Verdot. It has a soft, rounded bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow and gravel, perhaps missing a little tension and fruit concentration. The palate is driven by the fleshy, voluptuous Merlot that lends it good depth and roundness. This will be a forward Le Crock as it is missing some backbone, but it is well made nonetheless. Tasted April 2012.