Le Gay 2010

Both nose and palate have black plum richness lots of sweet fruit. There are layers of flavour fleshy black fruits underpinned by some fresher red. Although the oak is a bit obvious at the moment there would seem to be enough fruit to cope.

Reserved aromatically but palate elegant. Purity of fruit, balancing acidity and fine, ripe tannins. Drink 2017-2028.

The 2010 Le Gay is another extraordinary achievement from proprietoress Catherine Pere-Verge, who purchased this estate in 2004. A tiny production of around 1,300 cases achieved 13.5% natural alcohol and the final blend was 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. An inky/blue/purple color is followed by a distinctive perfume of liqueur of rocks, blueberries, blackberries, truffles and a subtle hint of oak. Extremely tannic, full-bodied, structured, masculine and backward with abundant minerality as well as ferocious extract and intensity, this 2010 requires at least a decade or cellaring. It should keep for three decades or more.

Tasted at the property, the Chateau Le Gay is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc matured in 85-90% new oak. The bouquet is conservative, strict and compelling - really taut and fresh, unfurling seductively with fleeting glimpses of briary, blackberry leaf and seashells. It expresses its terroir beautifully. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, edgy tannins, brilliant focus and sense of symmetry with captivating minerality towards the finish. It just seems to come alive in the mouth. This is a profound Pomerol that perhaps recalls the legendary post-war wines. Tasted November 2012.

Tasted at the chateau and the Syndicat, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, cropped 3rd to 6th October, the Le Gay 2010 has a lifted, pure bouquet of dark cherries, a touch of cassis, crushed violets and a hint of blueberry. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins lending this a masculine texture. It feels as if there is more than 10% Cabernet Franc although that will be due to its ripeness. Very focused, a great sense of tension with a vibrant, edgy finish, this is a fabulous Le Gay. Drink 2017-2030+ Tasted March 2011.

A beautiful solid core of ripe fruit, with coffee and light vanilla. Tobacco too. Full and dense, with polished tannins and bright acidity

Mid crimson. Extreme limit of ripeness. With attractive sweetness and freshness. Racy and polished. There is definitely enough freshness to keep this appetising. Unctuous with a strong line of terroir chew. Long. Another sample tasted open not blind seemed a little bit thick and Argentine but I hereby give it the beneft of the doubt.