Chateau Vray Croix de Gay, Pomerol 2020

This is juicy, measured, full of life and has striking fruit, vibrant with a crushed mint finish. From the first moments it shows a freshness and a momentum that gives the abundant tannins a flexibility. Biodynamic farming here. New owners Suravenir Assurance of Calon Ségur, but still Penelope Godefroy as technical director.

Vray Croix de Gay is a powerful, brooding wine in 2020. It will be interesting to see if a measure of finesse develops with élevage. There is plenty of richness, that is for sure. Time in the glass, brings out a whole range of red-fleshed fruit, cedar, tobacco, dried flowers and mocha, are all framed by incisive, insistent tannins.

The 2020 Vray Croix de Gay has an overly creamy nose, plush vanillary red fruit, orange pith and light chocolate scents that unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, quite a solid backbone to this Pomerol, clean and fresh with a touch of white pepper towards the finish. I like the precision of this Pomerol - one of the best from this estate in recent years.

A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Vray Croix de Gay has 14.1% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it gives up wonderfully pure notes of black and red cherries, mulberries and fresh blackberries, plus suggestions of licorice, lavender and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and refreshing with soft, approachable tannins and a perfumed finish. A very pretty, polished Pomerol!

Another beautiful Pomerol in the vintage, the 2020 Château Vray Croix De Gay reveals a deep purple hue as well as loads of red, blue, and black fruits supported by complex notes of graphite, charcoal, and scorched earth. Medium-bodied on the palate, with plenty of fruit, good mid-palate density, and some chewy tannins, give bottles 2-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15.