critic reviews
The 2023 Le Gay is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of Morello cherries, juicy blackberries, and boysenberries jump from the glass, followed by hints of cedar chest, sassafras, and clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate is lively, with bright red berry and floral layers framed by a firm, grainy texture and just enough freshness, finishing a touch woody at this youthful stage. The blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, with a yield of 42 hl/ha.
Supple texture, campfire smoke and grilled liqourice, with leafy iris and peony florals. Plenty of charm, with blackberry and black cherry fruit, although the finish has a flash of heat. Vignobles Parent.
The 2023 Le Gay takes time to coalesce on the nose. Surprisingly, there is a very slight vegetal touch, hints of bell pepper, perhaps via some Cabernet Franc in the blend? The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, quite fleshy with what feels like a candied finish, but there is jarring leafiness that mars the finish. I am a huge fan of Le Gay as my scores for the 2019 and 2020 testify. But having tasted this on three separate occasions, I'm wondering whether a parcel did not quite reach phenolic ripeness?