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Picture this: you're literally one row of vines away from Le Pin – yes, that Le Pin, the legendary Bordeaux that commands astronomical prices. The 2022 Chateau La Croix Saint-Georges doesn't just rub shoulders with greatness; it practically shares a backyard barbecue with it.

This estate sits so close to Vieux Château Certan and Chateau Petit Village that they probably wave to each other every morning.

Since 1932, when the Janoueix family snagged this property during the Great Depression, they've been quietly crafting something extraordinary. But the real magic started happening in 1999 when young Jean Philippe Janoueix took the reins and built a proper winemaking facility because apparently making wine in the neighbor's garage wasn't cutting it anymore.

This isn't your average vineyard – this is 10.4 acres of pure Pomerol perfection where every single thing is done by hand. We're talking about 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc vines that average 38 years old, planted on clay and gravel soils. The Cabernet Franc is packed in at 12,000 plants per hectare – the highest density of any Pomerol estate. Jean Philippe clearly believes in the "more is more" philosophy.

ean Philippe ferments his wines in four open-top wooden vats, then ages them in 100% new French oak for up to 20 months. But not just any barrels – some of these bad boys are cigar-shaped because why settle for normal when you can have barrels that look like they belong in a Havana humidor? These uniquely shaped vessels create more contact with the lees and wood, giving the wine an oaky personality that's as bold as the decision to use them.

The 2022 vintage doesn't apologize for its oak – it celebrates it. This is a wine that knows what it is and isn't afraid to show it. If you're the type who thinks oak is the enemy, you might want to swipe left on this one. But if you appreciate a wine that's been kissed by French oak barrels and isn't shy about it, prepare to fall hard.

Even the cellar tells a story, featuring a sculpture of Saint Georges on horseback, battling away like the patron saint of badass wine. It's a nod to the estate's history with the Chivalrous order of the Hospitalliers of Saint-Jean of Jerusalem – because apparently, even medieval knights knew good terroir when they saw it.

The 2022 Chateau La Croix Saint-Georges is what happens when you combine prime Pomerol real estate, a family's unwavering dedication, and a winemaker who thinks cigar-shaped barrels are a perfectly reasonable idea. It's bold, it's oaky, it's unapologetically itself – and it's sitting right there waiting for someone smart enough to grab it before the secret gets out.

2022 was an outstanding year for the Right Bank. Wine Spectator blessed this year with a 97 point review, and said: "Merlot excelled; Cabernet Franc also relished the season. Wines are very aromatic and expressive, with Pomerol hedonistic and St.-Emilion well-defined. More consistent than the Left Bank."

100% Merlot.

Dried bitter herbs, tobacco ash and ripe plums, berries and roasted spices on the nose. A hint of chocolate too. On the palate, this is juicy and well crafted with precise, chalky tannins and a lengthy finish that lingers effortlessly. It lasts almost half a minute. Impeccable balance here. Drink or hold. ~95 James Suckling

A pure Merlot-based Pomerol, the 2022 Château La Croix Saint Georges offers rocking notes of plums, black cherries, leafy herbs, and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, round, and lush, it has a beautifully textured and polished profile that’s perfect for drinking over the coming decade or so. Count me impressed – this is a smoking good Pomerol I’d be thrilled to drink. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck

Broad and layered, it displays notes of cherries, black cherries, red plums, wild blueberries, plums and hyacinth. Medium-full body, perfectly ripe tannins with excellent presence in the matrix and a finish of great juiciness and momentum. Drink now. ~93 WinesCritic.com

The 2022 La Croix St Georges has a typically powerful and burly bouquet with black cherry, boysenberry, and marmalade scents. The palate is medium-bodied with blueberry and orange rind tones. Nicely balanced, quite intense with a dense finish, this Pomerol will require three or four years in bottle, which is normal for this property. Be patient.~92 Vinous Media

Quite floral in mature with a nice freshness to the red, pit fruits, the wine is supple, creamy, sweet and fresh. There is a lush quality to the silky fruits, as well as a a touch of spice, elegant-textures and a plummy, fruity-packed finish. The wine is produced from 100% Merlot. 14.6% ABV, 3.7 pH. This is the best wine produced here in ages! ~94 The Wine Cellar Insider

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