A whiff of mocha curls around the plum, blackberry and boysenberry compote flavors, while ganache, roasted apple wood and graphite details course through the finish. Shows lots of range and depth. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2038. 1,083 cases made.

Showing beautifully in my tastings, the 2017 Chateau Le Gay makes the most of this solid vintage. Almost all Merlot from a great terroir on the plateau of Pomerol, it reveals a purple/ruby hue as well as medium to full-bodied notes of black cherry and cassis fruits, toasted spice, spring flowers, and damp earth. Shining more for its complexity and elegance than sheer power, it nevertheless has wonderful fruit, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 15-20 years.

Barrel Sample. This is a dense, opulent wine-the epitome of the Pomerol appellation. It is generous and open, with great dark fruits and integrated tannins that will allow the wine to age. Drink from 2024.

The 2017 Le Gay is a dense, dark and powerful wine, with real potential. Inky dark fruit, chocolate, new oak, spice, violet and menthol infuse the 2017 with layers of dimension. Le Gay marries intensity, richness and energy so well. The style is decidedly full-throttle, but all the elements come together well. Readers should expect a potent, heady Pomerol.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored,the 2017 Le Gay offers a very serious, classic notes of plum preserves, mulberries and baked black cherries with hints of tilled soil, cloves, cedar chest and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has firm, grippy tannins and plenty of muscular fruit, finishing on a stewed tea note.