Château La Fleur de Gay 2016

Shows freshness and fruit, with a somewhat austere yet polished elegance.

Ripe and showy, showing a core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit flavors infused with black tea and anise notes, all backed by a well-integrated roasted apple wood spine. Offers solid drive through the finish, with a flash of smoldering charcoal detail adding intrigue. Best from 2022 through 2035. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 547 cases made.

The colour is still almost a primeur purple, rich, vibrant and violet-edged. The nose is youthful but majestic and full of promise, with smoky caramel, liquorice and dark chocolate. Gorgeous floral notes spiral out of the glass after five minutes. That the wine is full of inky depths, generous but withholding at the same time, showcases the ability of Pomerol to taste good young without sacrificing an ability to age. This is one of the great wines of Pomerol. 100% new oak.

Where is that Peking duck? Ripe and rich with a solid structure, this is a serious and substantial Pomerol with a very satisfying balance of ripe and savory character, the tannins building nicely at the finish. Drink or hold.

The 2016 La Fleur de Gay is a wine of real personality and class. Dark cherry jam, mocha, espresso, blood orange and rose petal give the 2016 an exotic quality that is hugely appealing, while beams of supporting tannin provide the framework. In the glass, the 2016 is rich, dense and remarkably vivid, all of which make it absolutely compelling. This is a fabulous showing.

More interesting on the nose, with a showy display of chocolate-covered black cherries, plums, espresso, licorice, flowers and mocha, than on the palate, which is lush, sweet and packed with fruit. However, the oak shows more than the fruit, which detracts from the overall experience. Drink from 2023–2040.

Floral and intense nose, violet, wild berries, Burgundian, fine spices. Dense palate, fine oak, dense, elegant yet modern fruit with a long, chewy finish.

The 2016 Château La Fleur de Gay reveals a saturated purple color as well as a complex style in its notes of new saddle leather, lead pencil, graphite, tobacco leaf, and sweet red and black fruits. It’s a medium to full-bodied, sexy Pomerol that has moderate tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a plush, polished, elegant texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s a beautiful wine. Drink it any time over the coming 15-20 years.

100% Merlot. The darkest purple in all of Pomerol, with a black core and a deep purple rim. Very concentrated nose of violet and cassis, with cedar and graphite in the background. On a second layer, blueberry jelly and a texture like pure silk. On the powerful palate, supported by a firm tannic frame, lots of cassis and elderberry essence in a never-ending finish. Magnificent!

Kunz barrel sample 17: (100% Merlot) Concentrated, velvety, complex, sweet bouquet: blueberries, cedar, graphite, light tobacco, black blackberries, subtle eucalyptus. Powerful, dense, multi-layered, creamy palate with lots of fine tannins, a concentrated, finely muscular structure, dense dark fruit, complex, compressed aromatics, and a very long, fresh finish with plenty of lingering flavors.

(100% Merlot) Concentrated, velvety, complex, sweet-scented bouquet: blueberries, cedar, graphite, light tobacco, blackberries, a fine hint of eucalyptus. Powerful, dense, multilayered, creamy palate with lots of fine tannins, a concentrated, finely muscular structure, dark, dense fruit, a varied, compact aromatic profile, and a very long, fresh finish with plenty of lingering flavors. 19/20 2025 - 2050

Deep garnet in color, the 2016 La Fleur de Gay is a little closed and reduced to begin, soon revealing notes of crushed red and black plums, blackberry pie, and damp soil, with touches of licorice and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers oak-laced black fruits with bright acidity and a chewy texture, finishing long and lifted.

Garnet red with slight violet highlights. A somewhat sun-kissed bouquet with candied fruit. Notes of prunes as well as mint, bringing a touch of freshness. A delicate, appetizing attack. On the palate, the wine is creamy, balanced, and shows good aromatic intensity. The tannins are well integrated, elegant, and provide solid support. A pleasant wine that can already be enjoyed in its youth.

Dark, intense color. An aromatic, very fruity nose combining both ripe and fresh nuances. The palate shows a meticulous touch and complex nuances that I hadn’t perceived until now. Rich in flavor, the wine gains in savor and depth, leading to an unspittable finish. Highly recommended. Blend: this is an almost 100% Merlot (97%) with 3% Cabernet Franc.