Chateau Gazin 2012

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Gazin has a complex, quite mercurial bouquet that seems quite confit in style at the moment. After five minutes it offers raspberry coulis, wild strawberry, marmalade and minerals. You could nose this all day! The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, beautifully balanced with a harmony all its own. It glides across the mouth, so much so that it almost belies the structure underneath. This is seriously good—a top-drawer Pomerol with long-term ambitions. It may warrant an even higher score in the future. This is one to watch. Tasted January 2016."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Aromas of blueberries, roses and black truffles follow through to a full body, tight and integrated tannins and a fruity finish. Precise and beautiful. One of best ever. Better to drink in 2020."

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkles Purpur mit lila und violetten Reflexen. Sehr würzig, intensive Aromatik mit einer feinen Cabernet-Spur in der Mitte, Cassis, Lakritze, Szechuanpfeffer, dahinter dunkle Edelhölzer. Im Gaumen Cassis, Cassis und nochmals Cassis, dann eine zarte Eukalyptusspur, die den Wein erfrischt, fleischig im Extrakt, nachhaltiges Finish."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Tasted blind. Blackish crimson. Austere start with some tarriness and then a panoply of exciting aromas. Focused and exciting. Quite rich. Though at the moment the finish is not as opulent as the mid palate suggests it should be."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2012 Gazin offers mature notes of mince pie, coffee grounds, and tobacco over a core of stewed plums and incense. The full-bodied palate is firm and chewy, with just enough freshness to support the dense fruit through the long, decadent finish."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Earthy, truffle notes really stand out, even at this early stage adding complexity to the black cherry and stone notes that are out in front. On the palate, the wine combines energy with soft, supple tannins and sweet, spicy, plums and black raspberries. Another 3-6 years will bring this together nicely."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Fleshy, with dark plum sauce and blackberry reduction flavors wrapped in a solid coating of toasty vanilla and carrying through a cocoa-edged finish. Still has some toast to absorb, but this features a pleasant bolt of graphite and good lingering fruit and anise notes."

DECANTER: "Riper and fuller bodied than 2011. Lovely blackcurrant notes. Firm, long finish. Drinking Window 2019 - 2030"