The 2011 Le Gay exhibits a deep ruby/blue/purple color in addition to a sumptuous nose of spring flowers, blueberries and raspberries, deep, full-bodied, slightly masculine flavors, and sensational purity, richness and texture. It is another impressive 2011 Pomerol that has the guts, stuffing and structure to age for 15-20 years.

Dense and masculine with an inky/purple color, the 2011 Le Gay offers notes of truffles, roasted meats, black fruits, graphite and flowers. It is a powerful, rich Pomerol with stunning intensity and a long finish. This burly, full-throttle effort has a lot in common with the style of Trotanoy (even though the terroirs are different). Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.

Tasted at the property and then at the Syndicat de Pomerol. The Le Gay is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked on 16th September. It has a well defined bouquet with ripe dark cherries, cassis and crushed violet: a more feminine take on Le Gay. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins on the entry. It has good acidity and weight. It does not present the explosion on the finish like the 2009 or 2010, but it is linear and controlled, quite reserved even. Excellent, although there is a metallic note lingering on the aftertaste that I hope will dissipate by the time of bottling. Tasted April 2012.

This isn't shy about its toast, with mocha and spice aromas boldly leading the way, but there's serious flesh too, with acai berry, blueberry and blackberry notes all melded together and driving through the anise-tinged finish. A strong showing.-J.M.

Soft and velvety with lovely ripe tannins and a citrus, mineral and blueberry character. Long and intense. Nicely done for the vintage.

Good bright, deep ruby. Musky blackcurrant, sweet spices, flowers and minerals on the nose and palate, complicated by licorice and herbal nuances. A silky, pliant, graceful Pomerol with very good energy and grip. Finishes with suave tannins and superb length. I get the distinct impression that the estate was careful not to overextract this year, but consulting winemaker Michel Rolland told me he really hadn't changed much in 2011.

Drink 2017-2025 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep cherry crimson. Dark and fragrant. Red cherry fruit aroma. Nicely aromatic. Already supple. Fine and fresh and gently handled. Shorter vatting than usual. Moreish and harmonious. Really fresh and scented on the mid palate. More friendly than La Violette. Silky. Smooth, rounded and finely textured. Relatively lightweight. (JH)

Black cherry. Dark and savoury and restrained on the nose. A little dusty. Silky texture but a little flat/bitter on the finish. Rather abrupt at the end. (JH)