(JL96-98 points) A deep, jewel of a color, this wine is filled with black plum liqueur, flowers, black cherry and fig aromatics. Opulent, sexy with depth of character, like the ultimate first date, it’s ripe with tremendous potential for a long-term pleasure. With tannins as velvety as the thighs of a virgin bride, there is an expressive, sensual, hedonistic texture awash with dense, ripe plums, chocolate, truffle and caramel covered nuts in the finish. The wine was made from a blend of 90% old vine Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.7. The harvest took place from September 27 to October 8. The Grand Vin was made from a whopping 50% of the harvest, so it's going to be hard to find this wine -- only 16,000 bottles were produced! I have a tendency to under estimate this wine in barrel, as there is so much going on but I would not be surprised to see this get better in the bottle.

(WA94-96 points) The 2015 Le Gay comes from the 6.5-hectare Pomerol estate, of which 2.09 hectares are currently being restructured. It is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked from 27 September until 8 October at one degree lower alcohol than Montviel; it has a fragrant bouquet with delineated red cherries, crushed strawberry and hints of vanilla from the 100% new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, ripe and rounded in the mouth, very well balanced and very smooth. This just glides across the mouth and once that new oak has been absorbed, this will be a gorgeous Le Gay to behold. Do not overlook this Cru because it has been on a roll in recent years. - Neal Martin

A more elegant, lightly textured effort than some top past vintages, the 2015 Le Gay comes from a tiny estate in Pomerol and is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc brought up all in new oak. It has terrific complexity in its darker fruits, tobacco leaf, violets, new leather and even meaty aromas and flavors. These carry to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced 2015 that has fine, fine tannin and a great finish. It will fill in with 3-4 years of cellaring and keep for two decades. Tasted once.

This has lovely rich, deep fruit replete with sweet damson and cherry, cradled rather than overawed by the oak, and some lighter redcurrant notes that lift things through the palate. It's impactful, for sure, but enjoyable with clear staying power. Read more at https://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/bordeaux/chateau-le-gay-pomerol-bordeaux-france-2015-17713#y34QLHfLQ7XTqz1C.99