La Fleur de Gay 2001

An elegant, stylish, finesse-styled 2001, this 100% Merlot was produced from small yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare, and bottled unfined as well as unfiltered. A dark ruby/purple color accompanies a restrained, but solid bouquet of blueberries, raspberries, and smoky oak. Medium-bodied, understated, and substantially flavored, it possesses a nicely textured mid-palate and finish. Interestingly, I did not see as much difference between this cuvee and its sibling, La Croix de Gay, as in other vintages. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

The 2001 La Fleur de Gay has an exceptional bouquet, almost Burgundian in its purity with wild strawberry, dark cherries, truffle and limestone. There is an underlying opulence here, but it is beautifully contained. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and a real savoury element coming through. It shows stupendous delineation and poise, although perhaps I might just prefer the purity and exuberance of the La Croix de Gay in this year? Nonetheless it possesses great persistency. Impressive. Tasted June 2011.

Very dark crimson. Full and slightly furry on the nose. Very sweet but less focussed than the best of the previous flight. Very evolved even if there is nothing actually wrong with it. Dry tannins on the finish but very juicy, dense and fruity on the palate. A little bit of green.