Chateau Gazin, one of Pomerol’s superstar properties, have released a superlative 2016 today at £720 per 12 IB.
Versus it’s illustrious next door neighbours Chateaux Petrus and Lafleur, located on precisely the same terroir, this perfectly positioned 26 hectare property offers unbelievable value by way of comparison. In 2016 Gazin has exploited all of the finest points of the appellation’s success to create a wine which has received phenomenal praise from all of the major critics.
The 2016 has more structure than its 2015 with an abundance of higher toned fruit enveloped in a powerful, muscular frame. Everything is precisely balanced here and there’s wonderful elegance to complement the refined dark fruit notes in the bouquet. Consequently we envisage that it will hit its drinking plateau between 2025-2035.
Looking at the direction in which Gazin is headed, and the developments made here since 2009, this is a very smart buy indeed.
Ch Gazin Pomerol 2016
£720.00 per 12 bottles IB
£360.00 per 6 bottles IB
£365.00 per 3 magnums IB
So often overlooked, this beautifully positioned property offers one of the most classical examples of Pomerol year in year out. In addition, when considering all its illustrious neighbours, it is regularly one of the bargain wines of the vintage. Watch out for its release, (normally one of the first!) as the 2016 is a beauty. Full of aromas of the Orient and Black Forest fruits, this is a deliciously rich wine without excess. Lots of grace and delicacy on the finish, poised and very long. Drink 2023-2036. 94-96 points, Goedhuis & Co
Now this has quite a powerful bouquet for Gazin, more heightened fruit compared to recent vintages with blackberry, briary and pressed flower aromas that are well defined (although my sample demanded two or three minutes to really find its voice). The palate is medium-bodied with a gently grip on the entry. I adore the tannic structure to this Gazin, equidistant between masculine and feminine, a backbone that will ensure this will age over many years. There is abundant, lightly spiced black fruit with a touch of cracked black pepper and clove towards the finish. The 50% new oak will add a little muscle onto the finish, thereupon you will have a really marvelous Gazin that will give thirty years of drinking pleasure, possibly more. 94-96 points, Neal Martin
Classic, almost savoury fruits here, among the most left bank in style of all the Pomerols with cassis and black pepper spice. It’s a wine that steals up on you – I tasted it several times and became increasingly impressed by the construction and the measured delivery of excellence. A full 13% of Cabernets here, split between 5% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the highest proportion of the latter for many years. 94 points, Jane Anson, Decanter
Tight and silky with plum, blackberry and blueberry character. Medium-to full-bodied, firm and silky. Very linear and bright. A pretty follow-up to the stupendous 2015. 94-95 points, James Suckling