The 2016 Croix Mouton has an attractive, perfumed, floral bouquet with crushed violet petals infusing the ripe black cherry and cassis fruit. I appreciate the elegance on display here. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, well judged acidity, a pleasant saline and black olive note surfacing towards the fresh finish. This Bordeaux Supérieur from Jean-Philippe Janoueix can often punch above its class and the 2016 is one of those.

Lightly steeped damson plum and black cherry notes are expressive, while fine-grained structure pulls in light humus and cedar details through the finish. Drink now through 2022. 27,280 cases made, 6,000 cases imported.

The 2018 Croix Mouton has a powerful nose of dense black fruit laced with melted tar, cedar and tobacco scents, a bit static compared to some of its peers but decent for a Bordeaux Supérieur. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins on the entry. Grippy and quite assertive, displaying plenty of structure and backbone, although it needs more finesse and precision on the finish. I can imagine it with a hearty steak, however.

Situated close the Médoc vineyards, this estate has produced a ripe, balanced and spicy wine. Classic black-currant fruits are integrating well with rich tannins in this wine that is ready to drink.