CHÂTEAU LE CROCK 
is a fantastic little cru bourgeois that sits right between Cos and Montrose. In great vintages this property really sings so when Neal Martin says the 2016 is a spitting image of the 2010, the signs are very good indeed! We found it bold and hedonistic. There’s bags of structure filled out by gorgeous, sweet hedgerow fruit. The whole thing has the drive and texture you’d normally associate with wines way above this level. Jancis loved it too, giving it 16.5++ and calling it ‘flattering’ and ‘alluring.’ The price is pretty attractive too at £200 per 12 bottles IB which is well within our estimate. This comes very highly recommended indeed.
Also great value, but this time from the right bank, is CHÂTEAU ALCÉE in the Côtes des Francs released at £123 per 12 bottles IB. This is part of the Nicolas Thienpont stable and that wine-making class shines through. There’s really impressive concentration, balance and length here. It’s the sort of thing you’ll dig out of the cellar in five or so years time and be astonished by how well it compares to things twice it’s price.
As ever, you can keep up to date with everything out from #Bdx16 on our Recent Releases page.