One of the brilliant wines from the talented Jean-Philippe Janoueix, this tiny 13.5-acre vineyard near Le Pin and Vieux-Chateau-Certan was cropped at 32 hectoliters per hectare. At 13.6% alcohol, it’s no wimpy wine, and the final blend was 94% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. One of Pomerol’s more reasonably priced offerings, the 2011 La Croix Saint-Georges reveals a dense purple color along with a sweet bouquet of melted chocolate, toasty oak, blackberries and cedar. Full-bodied with outstanding ripeness, a supple texture, decent acidity and well-integrated tannin, it should drink well for 10-15 years.

Toasted spice, plum cake and anise aromatics lead in, but it's a touch shy on midpalate flesh, as the toast holds sway on the lightly firm finish. Score range: 84-87 –JM