Château La Croix Saint Georges, Pomerol, FR, 2022 (MAGNUM)

Already an estate on an upward trajectory, this tiny 4.2-hectare plot nestled behind Le Pin has made a further step forward this year. Owner Jean-Philippe Janoueix has been increasingly hands-on in recent vintages, instigating improvements in the cellar (some necessary, some ingenious) and undertaking major replanting.

From 2022, Thomas Duclos consults. The bouquet is strongly accented towards bright red fruits of cherry, raspberry and plum. The palate has a luxurious texture of creamy summer fruits. This is not going for power; there is a pleasing sense of harmony and easy charm, underpinned by earthy Pomerol spice.