Le Gay 2007

This is a shockingly good wine, although at present I would rate what they produced in 2008 as the finest Le Gay since the 1950. However, do not discount this 2007. Yields were only 25 hectoliters per hectare, and the final blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc achieved 13.5% natural alcohol. There are just over 1,000 cases of this wine due to a severe selection. The wine exhibits fabulous blackberry and mulberry fruit intermixed with notions of graphite, charcoal, truffle, and incense. Medium to full-bodied, deep, and lush, with some structure, but not the masculinity and tannic power that most vintages of Le Gay possess, this 2007 will benefit from several years of bottle age, and should drink well for 15+. Bravo! Drink 2010-2025.

A Catherine Peré-Vergé/Rolland wine. Mid crimson with a pale rim. Some complexity on the nose – and some real warmth. Lively with a fruity core. Real life to this and the fruit almost completely disguises some pretty dry, sandy tannins. Picked 30 Sep and 1 Oct. One of last on the plateau, we are told. Drink 2011-2018

Good medium ruby. Perfumed, very ripe aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice and violet. Sweet and dense on entry, then pliant and spicy in the middle, with good stuffing to the dark fruit flavors. Finishes with good cut and grip