January 2019. The 2016 Gazin has a pure bouquet of luscious blackberry, black truffle and light smoky aromas that gain vigor with aeration. There is an unerring sense of control here, as if keeping something back for later. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, a silky-smooth texture and beguiling, graphite-tinged black fruit toward the refined, persistent finish. Flecks of clove linger on the finish. Classic Gazin. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 94 points

The 2016 Gazin is a blend of 87% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc this year, picked from 22 September with respect to the Merlot and from around 7 or 8 October for the Cabernet Franc. Now this has quite a powerful bouquet for Gazin, more heightened fruit compared to recent vintages with blackberry, briary and pressed flower aromas that are well defined (although my sample demanded two or three minutes to really find its voice). The palate is medium-bodied with a gently grip on the entry. I adore the tannic st he most left bank in style of all the Pomerols with cassis and black pepper spice. It`s a wine that steals up on you - I tasted it several times and became increasingly impressed by the construction and the measured delivery of excellence. A full 13% of Cabernets here, split between 5% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, the highest proportion of the latter for many years. 94 points

The 2016 Gazin is bold and powerful, yet also retains striking freshness and energy throughout. Sweet red plum, blood orange, wildflowers and mint are some of the many notes that are delineated in this super-classy, refined Pomerol. All the elements come together effortlessly in the glass. The 2016 is not a big Pomerol; rather, it is a wine that impresses with its nuanced expression of the vintage. Hints of smoke, tobacco and grilled herbs add closing shades of complexity. Tasted two times. 89-92 points