The 2016 Chateau Le Gay Pomerol Bordeaux Blend presents a robust and intricate profile, showcasing the quality of the Bordeaux region and the expertise of Chateau Le Gay. This red wine, sealed with a traditional cork closure, hails from the esteemed Pomerol sub-region of Bordeaux, France. With an alcohol content of 14.5%, this vintage offers a layered complexity that has garnered high praise from several professional wine reviewers.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 98, describing it as having "exotic aromas of blackberries, truffle, earth and cedar." He noted its full body, rich tannins, and a long finish, recommending bottle aging for at least three to four years to allow its exuberant character to fully develop. Suckling's review emphasizes the wine's exotic nature and its potential for aging, making it a standout in its category.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through reviewer Lisa Perrotti-Brown, also provided a stellar review with a score of 95+. Perrotti-Brown highlighted its "rock star nose of flamboyant Black Forest cake, crushed redcurrants and lilacs scents" with complex undertones of yeast extract, wood smoke, iron ore, and dark chocolate. She praised its medium to full-bodied palate and the seductive finish, noting the wine's generous fruit flavors and ripe tannins.
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider echoed similar sentiments, also scoring it 95 and pointing out the wine's "earthy, spicy fresh and juicy" nature. He emphasized its concentration, complexity, and the silkiness of its tannins. Leve mentioned that the wine is composed of 90% old vine Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, suggesting a holding period of 7-8 years to allow it to fully mature.
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine 94+, appreciating its "elegant, structured style" and noting flavors of mulled dark fruits, saddle leather, camphor, and tobacco. He acknowledged its solid mid-palate depth and great finish, advising a 4-5 year holding period for optimal enjoyment.
Wine Spectator also gave it a score of 94, praising its "alluring waves of frankly ripe plum, blackberry and açaí fruit flavors" and its structured, defined finish. The review highlighted the wine's showy and hedonistic qualities, recommending it for consumption between 2022 and 2035.
Overall, the 2016 Chateau Le Gay Pomerol Bordeaux Blend is a highly acclaimed wine with a rich and complex profile, promising great aging potential and a rewarding tasting experience.