Gazin 2008

Gazin's 2008, a structured, masculine style of Pomerol, reveals a dense plum/purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of licorice, mocha, black currants, plums and Asian spices. Firm, dense and full-bodied with stunning concentration, it represents a hypothetical blend of its two near-by neighbors, Lafleur and Petrus. Congratulations to Gazin on another fabulous effort that still seems to be under most consumers' radar. The 2008 should drink well for 20-25 years.

The 2008 is a marvelous effort from this property situated adjacent to Petrus and only a stone's throw from l'Evangile. An amazing effort, the wine exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color, wonderful concentration, a beautifully sweet perfume of caramels, mocha, jammy black currants, and smoky blackberries, a full-bodied mouthfeel, a layered, skyscraper-like texture, and sweet but elevated tannins. Overall, it displays gorgeous freshness and delineation. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025.

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. The nose is showing considerable new oak at the moment, although there is sufficient fruit to back it up. Fine precision, tightly wound but opening nicely, it is just a question of time letting the aromatics knit together. The palate is medium-bodied with good fruit intensity, a touch of spice with good backbone and underpinned with a fine Cabernet Franc-tinged finish. Tasted January 2012.