This is a gorgeous wine with superb density and balance for the vintage. Full body, polished, fine tannins and a long, long finish. There’s so much complexity and beauty to this with blueberry, wet earth and spice character. Some sliced Chinese mushrooms as well. One of the best wines I have had from here in a long time. Better in 2020.

This may be the first time in the history of this estate that Gazin has been made from 100% Merlot. That was the favored cepage (grape varietal) in 2012, and Gazin has produced a powerful, concentrated, dark plum/purple-hued wine displaying notes of balsam wood, forest floor, camphor, blackberries and cassis. As the wine sits in the glass, hints of white chocolate and espresso roast (no doubt from the barrels used) emerge. Full, rich and intense, this impressive 2012 reminds me of the 2001, only slightly more masculine. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. Drink: 2015 - 2035
-Wine Advocate #206 Apr 2013

A full-bodied, ripe and plush Gazin, this is a classic example of Pomerol in 2012: with ripe cherry fruit, plenty of structure and a long life ahead, this could be one the of the all-time Gazins... we like!

Nicolas de Bailliencourt told me that the Cabernet Franc was affected by rot this year, so the Grand Vin is 100% Merlot picked between 20th September and 4th October. It has plenty of ripe raspberry and fresh strawberry fruit on the nose with hints of dark plum underneath – the oak neatly integrated. The palate is well balanced with firm, grainy tannins. There is good structure here, fine focus, with a lovely touch of white pepper on the expressive finish. Good potential. Tasted April 2013.

Fleshy, ripe and enticing, with a singed mesquite note churning through the core of crushed plum, blueberry and blackberry paste flavors. Long and toasted on the finish, this remains polished and integrated. Opulent but not overdone. —J.M.

[100M] Quite dense mineral and blackberry; crisp, finely, firmly tannic, fairly concentrated wine; fresh, dry, linear, quite complex, nice length, but in a bit more austere mould for Pomerol this year, lacking charm and flesh for the moment, in spite of its 100% Merlot! Will need time. 2018-28 [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2013]