The 2022 Le Gay offers up aromas of rich cassis, menthol and toasty new oak, followed by a full-bodied, rich and rather muscular palate framed by sweet, liberally extracted tannins that assert themselves on the finish. While this remains quite a chunky, stylized wine, defined by its fermentation in new oak barriques, it is comparatively restrained for this estate in such an extreme vintage. 91-93 points

The 2022 Le Gay is wonderfully aromatic and nuanced from the first impression. Sweet tobacco, cedar, pipe tobacco and dried herbs open first as the Cabernet Franc makes itself felt. Medium in body and graceful, the Le Gay shows the radiance of the year, but is also impeccable in its balance. Sweet floral and spice top notes grace the exquisite finish. Tasted two times. 93-95 points

The 2022 Le Gay was picked 5-19 September and vinified in new oak barrels. This takes time to unfold on the nose: tertiary red berry fruit, smoke and truffle, moderate intensity with a light marine element. The palate is medium-bodied, with a slightly lactic texture on the entry, flecks of dark chocolate on the red fruit, gentle grip with quite a firm finish. It maybe just misses a bit of flair at the moment but I suspect it will come around with time. There is something sultry, atypically introspective about this Le Gay, hence my prudent score. 92-94 points