Chateau Gazin 2010

A big, back-strapping blockbuster from Gazin, in which the oak seems to be pushed into the background. The wine offers up notes of caramelized black cherry and black currant fruit interwoven with mocha, white chocolate, subtle toast and hints of coffee beans and tobacco leaf. The exceptional aromatics are easily followed up by a full-bodied, powerful, broodingly backward, rich, intense wine with multiple dimensions, layers of fruit and a sensational finish. This is one of the all-time great efforts from Gazin. Drink over the next 30 to 40 years, or dink now if you cannot wait.

96 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Gazin charges out of the gate with bold boysenberries, baked plums and Christmas cake notes plus hints of unsmoked cigars and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with baked black fruit, framed by firm, ambitious tannins, finishing long and mineral tinged.

95 Points - James Suckling    A subtle red with ultra-fine tannins that accentuate a palate of chocolate, berries and nuts. Full and very round. It's refined and beautiful. Hard not to drink now but wait at least five years. Top wine from Gazin.

93 Points - Wine Spectator    Dense, with a dark, smoldering feel as charcoal and coffee weave around a core of mulled fig, blackberry and boysenberry fruit. The long, muscular finish features singed iron and black tea notes for added range. Needs a little time, but should unfurl nicely. Best from 2015 through 2030.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast    Rich fruit currants and berries, intensely juicy, packed with dark very ripe fruit. A powerhouse of berries.