Saint-Estèphe is one of the primary appellations in Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Known for its clay-gravel soils, the wines of Saint-Estèphe are bold and impressive, with lots of concentration. These are assertive wines that often require substantial cellaring to unwind their potential.
But there are exceptions. A scorching year like 2018 produced wines of a riper, softer character, making them easier to approach in their youth. Today we’re delighted to present a wine with all the sturdy, sophisticated character of a true Saint-Estèphe, but wrapped in a friendlier, juicier package: the 2018 Château le Crock.
Jane Anson MW writes of Crock’s “great quality, rich in black fruits and soft tannins, with the same brush of glamour that you find at Leoville-Poyferré.” We were quite taken with the 2018 vintage of this wine – the abundant fruit is beautifully supported by the tannin, and joined by delicate floral and mineral notes. Though it’s not subtle, it’s bold, inky, juicy, and just delicious.
We weren’t alone in our assessment. Vinous’s Antonio Galloni gave it 92 points, finding “plenty of personality” and calling it “an especially rich, potent edition” of the wine. This has enough stuffing to age a while, but it’s simply delicious today. Serve with a stew.
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Chateau le Crock Saint-Estèphe 2018
bottle price: $55
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES
