The words value and Pomerol rarely go hand in hand, but find a happy marriage in this gem from the very heart of Pomerol.
Pomerol is famed for producing some of the most exciting and exuberant wines in Bordeaux. The prices are justified as yields are low, the best wines are in very short supply and demand invariably outstrips availability.
Ch Le Gay’s location, just behind Lafleur and Lafleur-Petrus, is the envy of many a grower on the Right Bank. From 1871 until 2001 this glorious property was owned by the same family as Lafleur. French death duties then took their toll and the estate was purchased by Catherine Péré-Vergé of the Cristal d’Arques glass family.
Situated on gravelly clay, this 6 hectare estate is planted with a classic Pomerol blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. It is rare to find parcels of older Pomerol and this very fine 2004 is drinking at its peak. It has a delicious sweetness of fruit, poise and a lovely hint of Pomerol hedonism on the finish. At £872 a case inclusive of VAT and delivery this represents excellent value.
Château le Gay Pomerol 2004
£872.00 per 12 inc VAT
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On tasting this wine 10 years ago, Robert Parker was effusive in his praise, remarking that, “it has the potential to be one of the vintage’s longest lived wines.” How right he was. Today, the 2004 shows both the developed tertiary aromas of truffle and forest floor typical of fine Merlot, and the fresh tension and precise fruit of Pomerol. It has opened up beautifully and looks set for a long and rewarding drinking window. Drink 2011-2028. Goedhuis & Co
One of the vintage’s most astonishing wines, this superb effort boasts a dense plum/blue/purple color, aromas of camphor, graphite, roasted meats, and black as well as blue fruits, a full-bodied, powerful style, low acidity, ripe tannin, and excellent concentration… Kudos to the proprietor, Catherine Pere-Verge, and her winemaker, Michel Rolland, for exploiting this property to its fullest potential. Drink 2010 – 2030. 93 points. Robert Parker
The Chateau Le Gay 2004 has a very sweet, fleshy, meaty bouquet with touches of espresso and chocolate. The palate is full-bodied with firm dry tannins, rounded and supple, disguising the firm backbone beneath. Blackberry, boysenberry and raspberry with a subtle touch of glycerine that leads to a lovely ripe, toasty finish with a touch of spice lingering on the aftertaste. 91 points. Neal Martin
