Château Gazin 2014/2017/2020/2021

Château Gazin of Pomerol is a Bordeaux red that stands out in this vintage for being made from 100% Merlot. Because of the year's challenging weather, including heavy mildew pressure, yields were extremely low (just 18 hl/ha), giving a concentrated, structured wine.

The Wine Advocate
RP 93+

Reviewed by: William Kelley

Muscular and still youthfully structured, the 2020 Gazin offers aromas of dark berries, cherries, vine smoke, spice and liquorice. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's deep and powerful, with ample reserves of fine, powdery tannins that will demand some patience in bottle.

Run by Christophe de Baillencourt and overseen by Mickael Obert, this 24-hectare family estate is producing its best wines of the modern era. The vineyards span two key soil types: gravels in front of the château and deep clays on the plateau (where the estate neighbours Pétrus, to which it ceded a prime block in the 1960s).

Herbicides have never been used here, and cover crops have been standard practice since 2018. Planted with 85% Merlot, replantings are gradually introducing a little more Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon (the latter included in the blend for the first time in the exceptional 2019 vintage). The new oak is much better integrated than a decade ago, and Gazin has gained depth and energy.

The Wine Advocate
RP 94

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2014 Gazin was initially closed and somewhat stern when tasted from bottle, but after some swirling, aromas of gravel and black truffle emerge, joined by seductive black fruit. These aromas are very engaging and captivating, drawing the taster into its charm.

The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fresh and firm, with great precision and remarkable succulence through to the focused, almost symmetrical finish marked by black truffle.

This confirms Gazin's excellent form: a great Pomerol from an estate that currently shows a clear inclination to craft sophisticated, classic wines.

Published: 31 March 2017.