La Croix du Casse remains an unheralded, but high-class source of rich, concentrated Pomerols. An outstanding effort, as well as one of the sleepers of the vintage, this dense ruby/purple-colored 1998 exhibits ripe, jammy notes of blackberries and cherries intermixed with licorice, smoke, and new wood. Full-bodied, with terrific fruit extraction, considerable muscle, and moderate tannin levels, it is not a wine to gulp down over the near-term. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2016. 04/2001

Couleur rouge sombre. Bonne intensité. Vive. Nez d'intensité moyenne. Discret. Manque de fraîcheur dans le fruit. Touche oxydative à l'agitation. Le fruit est délavé et il ne reste que le bois. Triste. L'élevage le remettra sur pied mais cette matière première ne donnera pas de grand vin. 04/1999