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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Rich, opulent, almost Tertre-like! Lots of pleasure here, albeit of a distinctly hedonistic style. Flattering but probably not a long-distance runner. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Black raspberries, red plums, spicy oak, and dried flower notes all emerge from the 2021 Château Le Gay, a beautifully balanced, elegant, medium-bodied Pomerol that shines for its finesse and elegance. It has some background oak, fine tannins, and a great finish, and is a total charmer that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise over the following 10-15 years or so. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
The 2021 Le Gay fulfils the promise it showed en primeur with a fine bouquet: red berry fruit, forest floor and a touch of garrigue coming through with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with pastille-like red fruit on the entry, fine tannins and a nicely composed finish that feels tender and elegant. This is a finely crafted, quite delicious Pomerol. Chapeau !
The 2021 Le Gay is a powerful, tightly wound wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. It will be interesting to see where this goes. The 2021 certainly has enough depth to drink well for many years. Dark plum, spice, leather, mocha and well-judged oak inform a wine that is all about balance and proportion.
About the producer
There’s been lots of change at Ch. le Gay since the Parent family arrived in 2002 – with vineyards replanted, the cellars renovated and the winemaking adjusted. No surprise, perhaps, that quality is now higher than ever.