Chateau Gazin 2016

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Gazin features a beautifully perfumed nose of violets, Ceylon tea, cigar box, sandalwood and fallen leaves over a core of plum preserves, kirsch and blackberry preserves plus a waft of aniseed. Medium-bodied and elegant, with compelling restraint, it has a seductively plush texture, finishing with bags of poise, perfume and persistence."

JAMES SUCKLING: "This sophisticated Pomerol slowly creeps up on you, then suddenly you’re in the deep end. The complex and delicate, floral and mangosteen aromas are married to a great tannin structure and nothing about this wine is a jot exaggerated. Long, mineral and spice finish with a weightless quality. Drink or hold."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Luscious, silky and fresh, the wine has the structure to age, which is a good thing, because all the layers of ripe, juicy, pure, opulent, fresh, red and black fruits, licorice, earth and cocoa are only going to get better and better with cellaring. Give this a decade in the bottle and the wine will deliver the goods."

WEINWISSER: "87 % Merlot, 8 % Cabernet Sauvignon und 5 % Cabernet Franc, 26 ha. Tiefes Purpurgranat. In der komplexen Nase finden sich rote Pflaumen und Kirschhaut, dahinter spürbare, dunkle Mineralik. Am Gaumen mit sehr engmaschigem Körper, ganz auf Klassik getrimmt, es fehlt aber die nötige Dichte, um hier ganz vorne mitzuhalten. Wurde hier (zu) früh gelesen? Im zweiten Ansatz mit hellem Tabak und Graphit, im langen Finale mit Wacholder und Maulbeeren."

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung, rauchig-kräuterwürzig unterlegte schwarze Beerenfrucht, ein Hauch von Lakritze. Mittlere Komplexität, zart nach Dörrpflaumen, integrierte Tannine, wirkt etwas weitmaschig, Kirschenfrucht im Nachhall, noch nicht ganz harmonisch."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "Almost pure Merlot, this dense wine is rich and packed with black fruits. Its concentration and density are massive, with tannins that are almost velvet in character. Drink this wine from 2023."

WINE SPECTATOR: "This is fresh in feel despite some frankly ripe cherry compote and plum pâte de fruit notes, with light floral and tea nuances imparting lift. Silky overall, with some sneaky grip at the very end adding length. Offers lovely, seductive fruit. Drink now through 2029. 7,083 cases made."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2016 Château Gazin is outstanding, but it’s firm, straight, and closed, and would certainly be better with more flesh and opulence. Vivid ruby/purple-colored, with notes of cassis and black raspberries as well as spring flowers, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, firm tannins, terrific purity, and a clean finish. The blend is 87% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 8% Cabernet Franc. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 15+."

DECANTER: "This is extremely silky and concentrated, with an edgy, slightly angular side to the tannins. It's hard to question the quality of the dark brambly fruits, and the liquorice root alongside, although the heat on the finish distracts."