Le Gay 2015

The 2015 Le Gay comes from the 6.5-hectare Pomerol estate, of which 2.09 hectares are currently being restructured. It is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked from 27 September until 8 October at one degree lower alcohol than Montviel; it has a fragrant bouquet with delineated red cherries, crushed strawberry and hints of vanilla from the 100% new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, ripe and rounded in the mouth, very well balanced and very smooth. This just glides across the mouth and once that new oak has been absorbed, this will be a gorgeous Le Gay to behold. Do not overlook this Cru because it has been on a roll in recent years. Drink 2020-2050.

A tight and racy red with walnut skin, pecan nuts, chili and spice. Blackberry. Full body, round texture. Chewy. Very promising. Like the great Le Gays from the 1980s.

Tasted blind. Green, metallic nose. Second bottle the same. Sweet and herbaceous on the palate but the nose would put people off, I fear. Light and fresh. Pinched finish.
Drink 2021-2025

A more elegant, lightly textured effort than some top past vintages, the 2015 Le Gay comes from a tiny estate in Pomerol and is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up all in new oak. It has terrific complexity in its darker fruits, tobacco leaf, violets, new leather and even meaty aromas and flavors. These carry to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced 2015 that has fine, fine tannin and a great finish. It will fill in with 3-4 years of cellaring and keep for two decades. Tasted once. 2021 - 2045

Ripe and sweet on the nose the palate has flesh with rich ripe black plum. The richness is backed by fresher fruit lighter at the back but it fills out on the finish with some sweet fruit. 2025-35

Back on form after a slight dip in quality in 2014, this has all the concentration and
plushness that you expect from the property, with scented oak, flavours of bramble, liquorice
and orange zest, ripe tannins and a refreshing, tapering finish. Drink: 2023-32

Dark and meat-stock-like this is a brutish wine with little charm and coarse extraction. The oak seems far too brusque
for the fruit