Chateau Gazin, Pomerol 2015

A straight up smokin’ red from this vintage is the 2015 Château Gazin and it’s a big, powerful, stacked 2015 that’s for those with patience. Made from almost all Merlot (I think it’s 100%), my notes on this beauty start - and end - with “love it.” Cassis, lead pencil shavings, graphite, forest floor, and tons of minerality all soar from the glass of this sensationally rich, concentrated, medium to full-bodied 2015 that has building tannin, a seamless texture, and a blockbuster finish. Forget bottle for 5-7 years and enjoy over the following two to three decades.

Crayon, slate, graphite, brilliant texture, slow build through the palate, thoroughly enjoyable, the exuberance of the vintage measured by the signature restraint and reticence of Gazin and translating into liquorice, cigar box, cassis, bilberry and violets, just coming fully into its drinking window. Harvest September 10 to October 7, Nicolas de Baillencourt owner, 50% new oak barrels for ageing.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Gazin is scented of baked plums, Christmas cake, mincemeat and plum preserves with hints of chocolate box, coffee, tapenade and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied with mouth-filling baked berries and savory layers, it has firm, chewy tannins and a long finish.

Maintaining great consistency these days. Big, bold and succulent with an impressive depth of ripe fruit and tannins. Rich but balanced. A reliable purchase.

The 2015 Gazin has a more floral bouquet compared to its Pomerol peers. This is fresh and vital with black truffle-infused red fruit and a dab of fresh tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and a mixture of red and black fruit. This is still resolutely classical in style with commendable sapidity toward the finish. This is a Gazin that I have admired for many years…and I still do. NB The bottle served blind at Farr's tasting did not exhibit the same lustre of vibrancy. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index.

The 2015 Gazin is dark, fleshy and wonderfully expressive. Mocha, bittersweet chocolate and a host of ripe dark fruit, along with the wine's contours, give the 2015 much of its sumptuous personality. This is a decidedly plush, extracted style, but all the elements are nicely balanced throughout.