Fully mature and drinking beautifully, the 2001 Château Le Gay reveals a healthy plum hue with some lightening at the rim as well as a classic Pomerol nose of ripe black fruits, loamy earth, spice, truffle, and subtle dried flower notes. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, lush, layered, absolutely weightless mouthfeel, and outstanding length. As with just about every 2001 out there, it's mature, and I see no need to delay gratification.

The 2001 Le Gay is a Pomerol that I disliked in its youth and assigned some scathing scores, but I must confess that it has blossomed in bottle and this showed well. It has a ferrous, slightly smoky bouquet with plenty of red berry fruit, cohesive and very nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and lightly spiced red berry fruit, turning ferrous with touches of tomato vine toward the peppery finish. Maturing with grace after a rocky youth, this should give another decade or two of drinking pleasure. -- Neal Martin

Beautiful aromas of blackberries licorice violets and berries. Full-bodied with silky tannins and a gorgeous finish. Very serious for the vintage. This is as good as if not better than the outstanding 2000. Le Gay is back. Best after 2008. 1440 cases made. –JS