2014 Gazin Rocquencourt

The 2014 Gazin Rocquencourt Rouge has a gorgeous, very pure bouquet of raspberry, redcurrant and cedar, very focused with a tangible sense of tension. The palate is smooth on the entry with silky tannin, plenty of red cherry and boysenberry fruit, and a light piquancy on the slight rough-hewn finish. This has improved now that the wine is in bottle and it will drink very well for 10-12 years.

One of the more overt reds of the vintage, the 2014 Gazin Rocquencourt is plump, juicy and expressive. Super-ripe red cherry, pomegranate, spice, new leather and rose petal give the wine its dark, succulent personality and soft contours. Smoke, sweet floral notes and grilled herbs add attractive aromatic top notes, but in 2014, Gazin is all about fruit intensity and suppleness. This is an especially racy, voluptuous Pessac-Leognan that is ready to deliver tons of pleasure with minimal cellaring. It is not particularly complex, but it offers striking upfront sexiness. In 2014 the blend is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This is a terrific showing from the Bonnie family and consulting winemaker Michel Rolland. Tasted three times.