Château Le Gay Manoir de Gay Pomerol 2020 (750ml)

HVE - Haute Valeur Environnementale in 2020 General Info Located in the vicinity of Château Pétrus, this small estate shares history with the property across the road, Chateau Lafleur. Both part of the property Le Manoir de Gay in the mid 18th century, it was purchased by the Greloud family and divided among the sons into two properties, the Domain de Lafleur section eventually inherited by André Robin who imprinted on Lafleur his personal motto, "Qualité passe quantité" (French: Quality surpasses quantity). In 1946 the sisters Marie and Thérèse Robin inherited both Lafleur and Le Gay. The sisters were notoriously reclusive and shunned the spotlights for almost 70 years. They were content to allow Chateau Pétrus reap all the glory for the appellation and so Le Gay remained in the shadow of its prestigious neighbour until Catherine PéréVergé discovered it. La Fleur is owned by the Robin sister’s niece and nephew, Sylvie and Jacques Guinaudeau, who sold Le Gay to Catherine Péré-Vergé in order to concentrate on La Fleur. Since 2002, when Catherine Péré-Vergé bought the château, the quality of its wines has risen, and Le Gay is now getting the recognition it deserves. Le Gay neighbours Chateau Pétrus and Vieux Château Certan. Le Gay shares some of its history with Château La Fleur across the road. In the 1700s both Le Gay and La Fleur were part of the larger property Le Manoir de Gay. In the mid-18th century, Le Manoir de Gay was purchased by the Greloud family and divided between the sons. Manoir de Gay is the second wine of Chateau le Gay. Catherine Péré-Vergé comes from the family who own Cristal d’Arques, a leading European glass and crystal manufacturer. Catherine left the family firm in the 60s and also owns Châteaux Montviel, La Gravière, La Violette and Bodedga Monteviejo in Argentina. Under her care Château Le Gay has been completely renovated. The chai is located next to the neo-classical pavilion where tastings are held and blends traditional and modern elements in a striking way. The most notable touch are the squat wooden fermentation tanks, each capable of holding 2,377 gallons which were fashioned by Seguin Moreau et Cie, one of the world’s best cooperages. Catherine Péré-Vergé passed away in April 2013 at age 74. Her son Henri Parent has taken over the Vignbobles Péré Vergé estates. Winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti is the winemaker. Michel Rolland consultant. Vintage The growing season began with an unseasonably warm winter and the high temperatures continued into the spring, which meant the worst of the April frosts were avoided. Instead, the region saw heavy rains create a warm, humid atmosphere and diseases like rot and mildew became prevalent, meaning producers had to be vigilant. However, the downpours did provide one boon by revitalizing the water tables in the soil, which would prove invaluable in the upcoming summer months. The summer was extremely hot and arid although infrequent showers did fall until late August, when the season then completely dried out. Good weather prevailed through to the harvest. The resulting crop was smaller than usual, it was in excellent condition with small, thick-skinned berries in great health. Vineyards Manoir de Gay is produced from vines planted in 2004 & 2005. Harvest A yield of 38hl/h. The harvest is manual with double sorting. Winemaking The wine is made in oak vats in facilities rebuilt in 2003. Transfers are by gravity or pumping to avoid excessive handling. Malolactic fermentation and aging in oak barrels are conducted. Manoir de Gay: is vinified in wooden vats. It is aged in oak casks for 18-20 months. Tasting Notes The wine is pure Merlot from the younger vines in the field. Made with the same means and the same jurisdiction as “Castle Gay”, the critically acclaimed wine, the second is particularly attractive. Elegant and Tasting Notes generous Pomerol, marked by a great fruity flavor, it is an interesting price / quality ratio. Serve with Foie gras, seared duck with orange, turkey, tournedos Rossini with porcini mushrooms. Cellaring Drink 2024-2038 Scores/Awards 87 points - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator - Web Only 2022 88-90 points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate - May 2021 89 points - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent (score only) - March 2023 94 points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com - January 2023 94-95 points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com - May 2021 91 points - Jane Anson, Decanter.com - May 2021 90 points - Jeff Leve, thewinecellarinsider.com - March 2023 86-88 points - Neal Martin, Vinous - April 2021 88-90 points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous - June 2021 92 points - Jeb Dunnuck MW - March 2023 89 points - Jean Marc Quarin (score only) - March 2023 Reviews “Friendly and direct, with open-knit raspberry and boysenberry fruit lined with a light tobacco hint. The finish is underscored by cedar shavings. Drink now through 2025.” - JM, Wine Spectator “The 2020 Manoir de Gay has a deep purple-black color and fragrant scents of dried roses, menthol, and cinnamon stick over a core of kirsch, black raspberries, and chocolate-covered cherries. The full-bodied palate is bright and refreshing, featuring loads of juicy red and black fruits and a satiny texture, finishing with a floral lift.” - LPB, Wine Advocate “Blackberry, dark chocolate, and hazelnut with some cedar underneath it all. It’s full-bodied, tense and layered. Firm yet polished tannins. Not heavy, but muscular. Serious second wine. Drink after 2027.” - JS, JamesSuckling.com “Crushed berry and chocolate with some hazelnut undertones. Full-bodied with layers of chewy tannins. It’s a big style for this appellation and even a little old-school, but it brings you back for more. Second wine of Le Gay.” - JS, JamesSuckling.com “Second wines are starting to make more of an impact in Pomerol, and this is enjoyable with mocha, cocoa bean and a ton of easy-going brambled fruits. A yield of 38hl/h. Average age of vines 13 years, malolactic fermentation in barrel, good stuff, and a lovely intro to the first wine.” - JA, Decanter.com “Savory red fruits with peppery herbs, and flowers show in the nose. Medium-bodied, with freshness, soft, sweetness, plums, and a touch of cocoa in the finish, this is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2023-2031.” - JL, thewinecellarinsider.com “The 2020 Manoir de Gay offers light blackberry and briar scents on the nose, light earthy and undergrowth scents emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with chewy tannins and a little herbal, especially toward the finish, which leaves touches of truffle on the aftertaste. A decent Deuxième Vin, though not longterm.” - NM, Vinous “The 2020 Manoir de Gay is laced with dark fruit, chocolate, licorice, spice, cedar, and leather. Inky and deep, with tons of richness, Manoir de Gay is decidedly extracted in style, with strong oak signatures that are overpowering.” - AG, Vinous “The second wine of this terrific Pomerol château, the 2020 Manoir De Gay is a winner in 2020, and a wine I clearly underrated from barrel. It has a great, complex nose of red and black fruits, saddle leather, flowers, and Asian spices. This medium to full-bodied, up-front, delicious, and forward Pomerol is perfect for readers looking to understand the 2020 vintage, as well as this château. It can be enjoyed any time over the coming decade.” - Jeb Dunnuck