Chateau Le Gay 2018

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

From one of my favourite estates in Pomerol, the 2018 Château Le Gay knocks it out of the park and has that classic Pomerol mix of sexy opulence paired with an incredible sense of finesse. Offering an already complex bouquet of crème de cassis, black cherries, white truffle, camphor, tobacco, and acacia flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, expansive texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. I'd be thrilled with bottles in the cellar. It's going to put a smile on any wine lover's face over the coming 20-25 years. 

97 Points - James Suckling

Aromas of plums, violets and mushrooms with earthy notes. Fleshy and succulent texture to the full body with round, firm tannins and a salivating, savoury finish. Very persistent. Opulent and reserved at the same time. Contrastive wine. Drink after 2025. 

96 Points - Wine Spectator

Plum, boysenberry and açaí berry flavours give this a slightly exotic character, with a polished texture and lingering anise notes. Shows latent grip on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now. 

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple in colour, the 2018 Le Gay has a beautifully perfumed nose of lavender essence, chocolate-covered cherries and preserved plums, leading to a fragrant undercurrent of kirsch, licorice and fertile loam. The concentrated, full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) delivers bold, black fruit flavours with compelling red berry sparks and a plush texture, finishing long with just enough freshness.

94 Points - Vinous

The 2018 Le Gay is unusually reticent today. Lavender, rose petal, mint, blood orange, and crushed red berry fruit emerge over time. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2018 packs a serious punch. It is one of the more sensual wines of the vintage in Pomerol, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2018 is in no mood to show its cards just yet.

92 Points - Decanter

This is a modern wine, in keeping with the estate signature, gourmet and glamourous with good persistence. It has rich fruits and oak influence that comes through as cloves and smoked almonds with pencil lead and graphite joining the black cassis fruit as it opens up. It should age well but will be ready to enjoy relatively young as this style suits fruit that remains plump and rich. The harvest took place between 19 September and 3 October. 100% new oak, integral vinification, 7.5ha but 6ha in production. A yield of 35hl/ha.