Le Gay 2005

Came 34th out of 184 wines

Rated 99 points in an email newsletter, dated 13/10/09, emailed to subscribers. From a blind tasting of 2005's by Robert Parker.

The finest Le Gay produced since the post World War II era, the 2005 even eclipses the fabulous 1982 and 1989. This inky/purple-hued effort reflects the commitment of proprietress Catherine Pere-Verge. An extraordinary perfume of blueberries, blackberries, flowers, truffles, and a touch of steely minerality is followed by a massive wine of exceptional concentration, a multilayered texture, phenomenal purity, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute. It is a massive, old style, pure, rich Pomerol that should only be purchased by patient connoisseurs as gratification will need to be deferred for at least a decade. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040+.

The first top-notch effort under new owner, Catherine Pere-Verge, and winemaking guru, Michel Rolland, Le Gay’s 2005 is reminiscent of some of the estate’s monumental wines made in the post-World War II era (1947 and 1950). Its dense purple color precedes a luxurious bouquet of licorice, acacia flowers, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, and kirsch. Full-bodied with a fabulous texture as well as purity, it also possesses some lofty, but sweet tannins that are largely concealed by abundant extract, glycerin, and alcohol. This amazing wine represents a new reference point for Le Gay. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035+.

The 2005 is unquestionably the finest Le Gay since 1982, 1975, and perhaps even 1947. Kudos to consulting winemaker Michel Rolland and the estate’s relatively new proprietor, Catherine Pere-Verge, for pushing the envelope to this level. Reminiscent of an old style Le Gay or Lafleur, it boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as an exquisite perfume of raspberry and blueberry liqueur intermixed with flowers, kirsch, licorice, and earth. This dense, powerful, concentrated, full-bodied yet well-balanced and symmetrical Pomerol possesses a boatload of tannin, but it is largely concealed by the lofty alcohol, glycerin, and extract. A brilliant effort, it represents a new reference point for Le Gay. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035.

Licorice and blackberry with mineral undertones. Full-bodied, with ultrasilky tannins and a long, caressing finish. All in finesse.

Very dark. Quite lifted nose. Lots of vibrant fruit and only sty drying tannins on the finish. Perhaps just little too forced?