2020 Château La Fleur de Gay

The 2020 La Fleur de Gay shows better than it did previously out of bottle. It has a high-toned nose with blackberry, wild strawberry, incense and woody scents, as if the oak barrels have not been fully assimilated. That said, it shows more vigor than the Bon Pasteur. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with sappy black fruit, fine tannins and a saline finish. Enjoy this over the next 15-20 years. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Once past the espresso, vanilla and cocoa, as the wine has not yet integrated its oak, you do find layers of lusciously-textured, round, ripe, creamy plums and black cherries. However, this is going to take some time in the bottle to allow for the oak to fade, and for the beautiful, dark red fruits to begin to fully strut their stuff. Drink from 2027-2040.

Red and black fruits, saddle leather, iron, and dried flower notes all emerge from the 2020 Château La Fleur De Gay, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, opulent Pomerol that stays flawlessly balanced and light on its feet. I love its mid-palate density, and it has building yet fine tannins and the purity and length that makes this vintage such a success in Pomerol. Give bottles 3-5 years if you can and enjoy over the following 10-15.