2010 Le Gay, Pomerol

SKU #1144749 99 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 Le Gay is performing sensationally, even better than my wildly enthusiastic tasting notes from barrel might have predicted. Inky opaque purple, and presenting a formidable and foreboding nose of camphor, black truffles, graphite, blueberries and blackberries as well as hints of smoked meats and floral nuances. Just about everything seems to be present in this smorgasbord of aromatics delights. The wine hits the palate with power, richness and purity, full-bodied texture, and enormous intensity, and I was somewhat shocked at the natural alcohol. In a vintage that routinely hit 14.5 to 15% for the Merlot-dominated wines, it was only 13.5% at Le Gay. (RP) (2/2013)

98 points Jeb Dunnuck

The 2010 Le Gay is a powerhouse in the vintage and is still young and backward, but oozes potential. Blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, wood smoke, and an incredible minerality all emerge from this concentrated, rich, yet oh, so elegant and seamless 2010. Full-bodied, deep, layered and concentrated, with perfectly integrated tannin ... 98+ (3/2019)

95 points Decanter

A lovely example of how enjoyable Pomerol can be in 2010, this is already open and relatively accessible, but still powerfully packed with flavour and personality. A truly impressive vintage from this property, showcasing the full potential of this corner of the appellation, rippling with tar, graphite, truffles and vanilla bean. Great stuff from the late Catherine Pere-Verge. (JA) (1/2020)

95 points Wine Spectator

Features a gorgeous, velvety mouthfeel, offering layer upon layer of crushed plum, warm linzer torte, steeped blackberry and anise notes, lined with black tea and well-singed wood spice notes. A beautiful combination of weight and grace, boasting a long, mineral-tinged finish that lets the fruit drip luxuriously. A real showstopper. (JM) (3/2013)

94 points James Suckling

Feminine violet nose with beautiful polished purple fruit, vanilla and some Seville orange. Dense and full-bodied on the palate with dancing acidity and soft fine tannins. Very pleasant already now. So delicious. Give it time. (2/2013)

94 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Saturated bright ruby-purple. Black cherry and licorice on the enticing nose, plus hints of cocoa and vanilla. Sweet and creamy in the mouth, with harmonious acidity framing and lifting the concentrated, ripe cassis, black cherry and chocolate flavors. Finishes firm, but with fine-grained tannins providing support to the creamy, soft flavors. Plenty of fresh acidity also helps to extend the flavors on the long finish. A very impressive wine--much better and less aggressively tannic than it appeared to be when I tasted it last spring. (ST) (7/2013)

94 points Vinous

The 2010 Le Gay has a fabulous concentrated bouquet with black plum, brambly red fruit, orange pith and light black truffle aromas, complex and among the finest that you will find in the appellation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannin, an equal measure of red and black fruit laced with white pepper, Chinese 5-spice and bay leaf. Very cohesive, this fans out wonderfully on the finish and retains impressive delineation from start to finish. (NM) 94+ (4/2020)

K&L Notes

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown in Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Le Gay rolls out of the glass with notes of dried mulberries, prunes and figs plus nuances of cedar chest, bay leaves and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives just enough maturing fruit flavors to match the sturdy frame, finishing on a stewed tea note." (03/2020)