Château Gazin 2022

Already at the barrel tasting, this wine won me over; now, in the bottle, it’s a poem—aromatically complex with a fascinating mix of fruit, herbs and flowers; the palate is remarkably elegant, dancingly light, with razor‑sharp tannins, crisp fruit and a salty, long finish. An excellent Gazin full of nobility.

Energy and purity straight away; this is streamlined and focused, with crisp strawberry, juicy cherry and cool blueberry fruit. I like the density and precision of the tannins—they give both weight and a sense of sculpting, with real freshness all the way through. Spiced accents come in the form of liquorice and slate, yet it remains quite charming and friendly, with pure fruit.

This is really fresh and refined with so much class for the vintage, with blackberries, blueberries, violets and minerals. Some coffee beans. Medium- to full-bodied, this has ultrafine tannins and a long, persistent finish. Such balance and harmony for the vintage. Drink after 2030.

The 2022 Gazin has a primal, youthful bouquet with black plum, blackcurrant pastilles and touches of wild mint. Good lift. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, fleshy, but there is still backbone and structure here. Lightly spiced with a grippy finish, it coheres in pleasing fashion. Good potential but one for the patient. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

Showing more of a firm character at this stage, there is still a lot to like here. Finesse in style, at its core, the wine is all about its spice, milk-chocolate, plum, cherry, espresso and wet earth character. Long, elegant, fresh, refined, and plummy, the mid-palate, and finish remain focused on its layers of sweet, vibrant fruits from start to finish. The wine blends 93% Merlot, 3.5% Cabernet Franc and 3.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. But, it will take a few years of cellaring to add more softness to its character. Drink from 2028-2055.

Deep dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, delicate rim brightening. Ripe red cherries, some nougat, delicate herbs and figs. Taut, red-fruit nuances, integrated tannins, mineral, firm body, long-lasting, strawberries on the finish, a fresh food companion with definite ageing potential.

Based on 94% Merlot and 3% each Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Château Gazin is a serious, layered Pomerol with ripe black cherries, blue fruits, spice, and hints of chocolate-laced oak and loamy earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has a round, supple texture, beautifully integrated tannins, and terrific overall balance. Easily ranking with the 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2020, this fabulous Pomerol can be drunk with incredible pleasure any time over the coming two decades. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Enjoyably brambled fruit on the nose, espresso and cocoa bean, well controlled, with supple tannins and plenty of raspberry and damson flavours, alongside firm tannic structure. 26 hl/ha yield, 50% new oak for ageing, 22 ha vineyard, 37-year average vine age.

Blackcurrant on the nose, fresh and piercing, with notes of blackcurrant leaf and a touch of chocolate. On the palate, a classic, straight style carried by lovely minerality, giving the impression of licking a stone.

Château Gazin has never liked to be loud. It prefers to devote itself to detail, finesse and diversity, but always with restraint! In 2022, this suits it once again very well. The freshness on display highlights the relevance of the harvest and vinification, while embracing the breadth and richness of the vintage. Notes of licorice, blueberry and mint are unmistakable. Dense and precise on the attack, the wine benefits from the unwavering support of muscular, defined and powerful tannins that shine with serenity and freshness. A wine of great elegance, lit up by a straight, precise energy, worthy of a lightsaber! I believe it will keep its sparkle throughout its journey, lending itself to being showcased in many different ways. It’s up to us to check regularly!

Deep, intense, vibrant red color. Very aromatic nose with ripe fruit. A smoky touch. The palate is supple and flavorful, full-bodied and energetic, with plenty of taste and a hint of austerity on the finish, even if the aromas fade into the background. Beautiful length.

An estate that often seems to disappoint relative to its potential, the 2022 Gazin isn't showing as well in bottle as it did en primeur. Offering up aromas of sweet dark berries, pencil lead and licorice, the palate is medium to full-bodied, muscular and aggressive, concluding with a drying, excessively tannic finish. If wine is a beverage of pleasure, this is one for masochists.