Chateau Le Gay   Chateau le Gay

2018 Chateau le Gay

By Chateau Le Gay

2018 Chateau le Gay from Chateau Le Gay, Pomerol, Bordeaux

The 2018 Chateau le Gay from Chateau Le Gay emerges as an exquisite bottle that echoes the richness of Pomerol, Bordeaux with profound clarity. This vintage stands as a unique imprint in the estate’s history, displaying a remarkable equilibrium that has captured the attention of fine wine investors and aficionados alike.

 

Deciphering the Distinctiveness of 2018

The year 2018 in Bordeaux was marked by trials and triumphs, with nature posing significant challenges during the initial months. However, an extraordinary summer led to a stellar harvest season. The idyllic weather conditions resonated through the vineyards of Chateau Le Gay, allowing for impeccable ripeness and exceptional grape quality – traits that define the 2018 Chateau le Gay.

 

Investment-Worthy Elegance

In my years of traversing through vintages, the 2018 Chateau le Gay caught my senses with its compositions of layered complexity. The bouquet is an ensemble of dark cherries and plum that delicately intertwines with hints of truffle and violet. A silken palette reveals a confident structure encased in rich tannins promising an appreciable longevity – aspects that ardently appeal to connoisseurs evaluating long-term investments.

A confluence of mineral undertones supported by a gentle oak embrace positions this vintage amongst one of the noteworthy expressions from Pomerol. It treads a delicate dance between potency and finesse; a testament to its vinicultural craftsmanship only mastered by Chateau Le Gay.

As we explore this vintage in the context of investment potential, it becomes evident that the 2018 Chateau le Gay is not merely an assemblage worthy of celebration within one’s private collection but also one that commands strong positioning within any seasoned investor’s portfolio, owing to its solid provenance and anticipated superb maturation trajectory.

The investment allure of this wine is further bolstered by the meticulous vinification approaches adopted at Chateau Le Gay. These practices culminate in a wine that is not only sublime upon release but also predicates significant development with cellaring. The harmonious clout fashioned by the 2018 growing conditions gifts this Pomerol beauty with an emblematic depth and volume that should evolve magnificently with time.

In summary, the 2018 Chateau le Gay stands emblematic as one of the vestiges among contemporary Bordeaux craft favoring preservation and unity amidst climatic capriciousness. Its inherent quality is destined for a graceful ascent in both complexities over time and progression in value, underscoring once more why Pomerol remains a luminary district within Bordeaux's venerable winemaking echelons.

Market price (GBP)

£870.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

51.18

Scores and tasting notes

97-98

A tight and dense red with depth of fruit and polished tannins that really impress at this stage. It’s naturally refined and complex with so much dark-berry, chocolate, cedar and hazelnut character. Great wine.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019

94-96

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Le Gay opens with fragrant notes of lavender, oolong tea, baked plums and blueberry compote leading to wafts of red roses, spice cake and fallen leaves. Full-bodied, concentrated and decadently fruited, it has a firm backbone of rounded tannins and lovely freshness lifting the perfumed fruit to a long finish.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019

95

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Le Gay has a beautifully perfumed nose of lavender essence, chocolate-covered cherries and preserved plums, leading to a fragrant undercurrent of kirsch, licorice and fertile loam. The concentrated, full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) delivers bold, black fruit flavors with compelling red berry sparks and a plush texture, finishing long with just enough freshness.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021

94-97

One of the highlights of the vintage, the 2018 Le Gay is fabulous. Crème de cassis, new leather, tobacco, minty and dried flowers all race out of the glass, but what impresses most is the wine's combination of fruit richness and vertical explosiveness. Black cherry, coffee, dried flowers, mint and lavender all soar. Le Gay is rich and concentrated in feel, and yet all the elements are wonderfully fused together. Tasted two times.

Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019

93-96

Plum, boysenberry and açaí berry flavors give this a slightly exotic character, with a polished texture and lingering anise notes. Shows latent grip on the finish.—J.M.

James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019

92

This is a modern wine, in keeping with the estate signature – gourmet and glamourous with good persistency. It has rich fruits and oak influence that comes through as cloves and smoked almonds with pencil lead and graphite joining the black cassis fruit as it opens up. It should age well but will be ready to enjoy relatively young as this style suits fruit that remains plump and rich. The harvest took place between 19 September and 3 October. 100% new oak, integral vinification, 7.5ha but 6ha in production. A yield of 35hl/ha.

Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019

Vintage performance