Andrew Jefford | Dense, dark midnight-black. Earthy and fresh, with a fruited urgency which bodes well: sweet, pungent blackcurrants and plums. There’s an evening spice charm, too. Lovely aromatic force and appeal here: excellent. On the palate, the wine has super density, depth and drive, and lovely teased ripeness, absolutely singing on the cusp between freshness and amplitude: an outstanding Le Crock which you could age with absolute confidence. It’s still very primary in style but will layer up beautifully, so true and sustained is the fruit core. Some of the best tannins in St-Estèphe in 2016, too. | 92

Michael Schuster | Ripe and gently blackcurrant to smell; very well-balanced, full, fresh, and finely, firmly tannic; rich and juicy to taste, defined by a finely firm St-Estèphe tannin, sappy, sapid, satisfying mid- rank St-Estèphe, with a very nice length of finish. Delicious! 2023–33+. | 90