2022 Château Le Gay
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Tasting notes
The 2022 Le Gay has an attractive nose: red berry fruit, allspice and cedar, focused with a sense of brightness. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, a healthy dash of cracked black pepper and impressive substance on the finish. This is one of my favourite vintages of Le Gay in recent years. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
Critic scores
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
One of the more understated wines in the appellation, the 2022 Château Le Gay is based on 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that comes from a great terroir on the upper plateau in Pomerol. Mulled black cherries, flowers, new leather, and truffle earth, as well as some subtle smoky nuances, all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, elegant, layered mouthfeel, integrated tannins, and outstanding length. It needs 4-5 years in the cellar and will see its 30th birthday in fine form. It shows the richer style of the vintage yet relies more on balance and elegance than power. Tasted twice with slightly inconsistent results, with a 375ml bottle not matching a later 750ml bottle.
The 2022 Le Gay has an admirable, delineated bouquet with beautifully integrated oak, allowing the blackcurrant, raspberry, and vanilla pod scents to flourish. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, gentle grip and a minor mote of greenness on the back palate. This is quite a saline Pomerol with a dash of black pepper toward the swarthy finish. It deserves four or five years in bottle.
The complex aromas of brambleberries and fresh herbs such as lemongrass and Italian basil come through beautifully here, giving a liveliness and focus. Medium-bodied with firm and silky tannins and a racy and refined finish. Tight. Really lovely. More elegant and thoughtful than in the past. Drink after 2029.
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.