2008 Château Le Gay

Description

94+ Robert Parker’s Wine Adovcate
“One of the top successes of the vintage, the 2008 Le Gay, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc (13.5% alcohol) was produced from tiny yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet nose of spring flowers intermixed with blueberries, blackberries, dark raspberries, crushed rocks and white chocolate. Full-bodied, super intense and extremely promising (although it is unusually backward for a 2008), it will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring and may merit an even higher score in a decade or so. It should last for 30+ years, making it one of the longest-lived wines of the vintage.” (5/2011)

92 Stephen Tanzer
“Full, deep red-ruby. Inviting aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet and mint. Superconcentrated, lush and generous, but with excellent energy to the black fruit and crushed stone flavors. Boasts superb sweetness paired with excellent grip. Really spreads out on the broad, long finish, which features serious but plush tannins. This very suave and deep Le Gay should be held for at least five or six years.” (8/2011)

92 Neal Martin for Vinous
“The 2008 Le Gay has a very refined bouquet with intense, quite pure blackberry, briary and black truffle scents, an engaging sense of mineralité and terroir. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very good density, a sinewy Le Gay that is bold and structured.” (3/2018)

92 Wine Spectator
“Racy blackberry and graphite notes are framed by light toast and mineral in this vibrant, expressive red. The ripe tannins are well-integrated and give backbone to the plush texture. There’s beautiful balance, with depth and drive.” (4/2011)