Château Gazin 2016

Reticent yet very complex; broad approach, unhurried development, class-act tannins, conveys density, distinctive breed and depth, finishes very long; stunningly good and a must again this year.

This feels fresh despite some frankly ripe cherry compote and plum pâte de fruit notes, with light floral and tea nuances lending lift. Silky overall, with some sneaky grip right at the very end adding length. Offers lovely, seductive fruit. Drink now through 2029. 7,083 cases made.

A rich and elegant Gazin, cohesive yet still extremely young. You can taste the Cabernets coming through strongly, an elegant, stately expression of cassis with a silky texture and nice balance. The palate is intense and concentrated but with a real sense of lift. It's always a wine that takes its time to show its colours as it's a touch austere in its first five to eight years, but this is going to age beautifully.

This sophisticated Pomerol slowly creeps up on you, then suddenly you’re in the deep end. The complex and delicate, floral and mangosteen aromas are married to a great tannin structure and nothing about this wine is a jot exaggerated. Long, mineral and spice finish with a weightless quality. Drink or hold.

Tasted blind. Fragrant, smells of green vegetation. Then pretty drying on the palate. Pinched. (JR)

The 2016 Gazin has developed into a super-refined wine. Silky tannins and floral aromatics add to an impression of total finesse. Blood orange, sweet red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal and mint are all finely knit in this gracious, subtle Pomerol. More importantly, the 2016 has grown into an absolutely striking wine that is even more expressive and complete than it was from barrel.

Luscious, silky and fresh, the wine has the structure to age, which is a good thing, because all the layers of ripe, juicy, pure, opulent, fresh red and black fruits, licorice, earth and cocoa are only going to get better and better with cellaring. Give this a decade in the bottle and the wine will deliver the goods.

Perfumed, lifted aromas of red fruit with floral notes and autumn leaves. Rounded, suave texture with grainy tannins, savoury red fruit, mild spiciness, and a long, smooth finish.

87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, 26 ha. Deep purple-garnet. A complex nose of red plums and cherry skin, with perceptible dark minerality in the background. On the palate, a very tightly knit structure, firmly classical in style, yet lacking the necessary density to compete at the very top. Was the harvest taken (too) early here? On a second pass, light tobacco and graphite; in the long finish, juniper and mulberries. Potential rating!

Kunz barrel sample 17: (87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc) Fresh, powerful, complex bouquet—strawberries, raspberry jelly, After Eight, flint, fresh herbs. Balanced, silky, tightly knit palate with ripe fruit, fine tannins, diverse aromatics, elegant structure, and a long, full finish. Has further potential.

(87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc) Fresh, powerful, complex bouquet: strawberries, raspberry jelly, After Eight, flint, fresh herbs. Balanced, silky, tightly knit palate with powerful fruit, fine tannins, diverse aromatics, elegant structure, and a long, full finish. Can improve further. 18/20 2024 - 2038

Bursting with Pomerol goodness, this was bought by my father during last year's Christmas celebrations (he misread the price on the label if I am really levelling with you, but he was thrilled with his mistake!). Plum pudding, incense, cocoa bean, cappuccino, creamy raspberry fruits, just tannic enough to be serious without being overly constrictive, thoroughly enjoyable. Ready to drink but will age.

The 2016 Gazin is deep garnet in color. Baked plums, black cherry preserves, and mulberries waft from the glass, followed by suggestions of scorched earth and dried Provence herbs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a lively line of freshness to the tightly knit black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins, and finishing on a fragrant earthy note.

The sun-drenched character of 2016 suits Gazin’s restrained style particularly well. The nose is dark and deep, releasing delicate notes of black fruit, earthy nuances, and soft, downy florals. Its backbone is driven by the fine saline tension typical of clay, though still held by the elongated tannins of the Cabernets. Cellar for at least 20 years

Purple with violet hues. What intensity and complexity in this bouquet! Between notes of licorice, pepper, and blackberries, the élevage tries to make its way through; we are thus at the opposite of what one usually finds in a bouquet, as the barrel aging has to fight to reveal itself! Freshness is also present, standing out through hints of mint. On the palate, the wine confirms the nose’s assertive character. The attack is gourmand yet lively and juicy. The body is compact, with fine-grained, powerful, and suave tannins. They are in harmony with the vibrancy of the structure. Together, these two elements highlight the greatness of Gazin 2016. This is a wine of rare depth and rare power, with an extraordinary capacity to age.

Deeply colored wine with an intense, delicate, and pure nose. Rich, mouthfilling palate with plenty of flavor, finishing long and sapid, with a touch of austerity lingering on the finish.