CHÂTEAU GAZIN
2017 Pomerol
95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Enjoyable mineral lift. Quite closed at the moment. Some ripe dark Pomerol fruit evident but not singing yet. The energy is fresh and impressive. Dusty tannins build at the end. Oak and dark fruit on the finish. Rating: 90-91 L&S (Apr 2018)
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The 2017 Gazin has a very classic Pomerol bouquet with black brambly fruit infused with black truffle and subtle raspberry confit notes. Then, as it opens, there are loamy aromas that lend more complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin and a fine bead of acidity. There is a slightly powdery texture, feeling quite saline. White pepper and fennel notes become more conspicuous towards the finish. Just a classic Gazin from proprietor Nicolas de Bailliencourt and his team. Drinking range: 2022 - 2045 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2018)
One of the more sexy, opulent wines in the vintage is the 2017 Château Gazin, which comes close to the estate’s smoking good 2015. Ripe black cherries, currants, spice box and incense notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, plump, beautifully textured Pomerol that has sweet tannin and a great finish. It should hit the ground running and keep for 15 years or more. Rating: 92-95 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Apr 2018)
Deep crimson. A little meaty on the nose, but with a definite graphite note and sweet black plum. Firm and dry but the fruit is there for a balanced whole. Persistent, too. Drinking range: 2024 - 2032 Rating: 16.5 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2018)
Focused, with cherry and cassis notes driving through, flanked by singed vanilla accents and a light briar edge. Just a touch toothy through the finish, but should fill out well enough. Drinking range: 2018 - Rating: 89-92 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2018)
A dense and flavorful red already with dark-berry, seaweed and wet-earth undertones. Full body and round and chewy tannins. Green olives on the finish. Serious for the vintage. Rating: 94-95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2018)
Christophe de Bailliencourt says the vineyard was only lightly touched by frost, taking out just 5% of the crop. The blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, with no Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend this year, it having been frosted. The alcohol is 13.5%. Despite this vineyard having apparently escaped significant frost damage, this wine has a rather more delicate style than some of its peers in this vintage, showing more red-fruit character, red cherry and redcurrant, and there is a certain leafy freshness to it as well. The palate is delicately textured, medium-bodied, with rather a firm grip for the texture and the fruit through into the finish, as well as a very fresh acidity. All in all this has a quite pretty style, but is a little firmer and more old-school in its build than is usual. Rating: 89-91 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2018)
Château Gazin
It is said that Château Gazin occupies the site of an old Knights of St John hospital that tended to pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostella - a legend that is reflected in the cross on the label and in the name of the second wine, l'Hospitalet de Gazin. During the 19th Century, Gazin was one of the most highly regarded estates in Pomerol. The Bailliencourt family came into the estate by marriage in the early years of the 20th Century but, sadly, their tenure has mostly been of a château in decline. However, the estate's inheritance by the dynamic Nicolas de Bailliencourt in the 1980's has completely turned Gazin around and, once again, it is one of the châteaux to watch. The machine harvesters, bought as recently as 1979, were disposed of, a new chais was built, the second wine was introduced to allow stricter selection for the grand vin, and the services of Pomerol guru Jean-Pierre Moueix were engaged. The wine is typically 90% Merlot and spends 18 months in barrique, of which 50% are new wood.