| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > Pomerol |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Formerly owned by the same family as neighbour Château Lafleur, the 6.5 hectare Le Gay is now owned by the family of the late Catherine Péré-Vergé along with other Pomerol properties Montviel and la Violette. The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with vines around 50 years old. It has been producing outstanding Pomerols in recent vintages. 100% micro-vinified in new oak.
The 2021 Le Gay offers up aromas of cherries and berries mingled with aromas of mint, vanilla pod and creamy new oak. Full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's rich and layered, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by plenty of extract and oak tannin. It's entirely fermented in new barrels, which has become one of the estate's signatures.
The 2021 Le Gay is far superior on the nose compared to the Deuxième Vin, much more blackberry and raspberry fruit, hints of iris flower and sage, though obviously less precocious than the last three vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, saline on the front palate with fine delineation towards the composed finish. This is a well-executed Le Gay that just lacks a bit of substance.
Yields are 15-20% down in 2021, and further volume has been lost to replanting some vineyards. 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested at 35hl/ha. Vivid purple colour. Wild berries, pink peppercorn and green spices on the nose. The palate has a juicy core with very chalky but well integrated tannins. The supple, soft fruit has a blueberry and boysenberry character, fleshing out through the middle in a manner difficult this vintage. Plump and rounded to the finish, it is smoky, dense and modern but with enough freshness to find good balance.
Opulent and pure with currants and blackberries and some floral and orange undertones. Medium to full body. Fine tannins. Bright at the end.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2021 Le Gay is a little shy to begin, soon unfurling to reveal notes of baked black and red plums, kirsch, and rose oil, followed by hints of dried herbs and star anise. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft and juicy with well-managed tannins and an adeptly sustained finish.
2025-2038
This has some enjoyably sappy redcurrant and raspberry fruits, but there is an austerity through the palate and a bitter fennel finish. Well worked, lots of things to appreciate, skilful winemaking, but the footprint of the vintage is here. Vignobles Péré-Vergé.
