Wine Critic
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Chateau Gazin Pomerol Rouge 2012
This vintage delights with its rich bouquet of dark cherries, hints of truffle, and silky tannins. It's a wine that embodies the finesse and character of Pomerol, offering a memorable experience for discerning palates.
Critic tasting notes: (2012 vintage)
"Earthy, truffle notes really stand out, even at this early stage adding complexity to the black cherry and stone notes that are out in front. On the palate, the wine combines energy with soft, supple tannins and sweet, spicy, plums and black raspberries. Another 3-6 years will bring this together nicely.." - Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
"Aromas of blueberries, roses and black truffles follow through to a full body, tight and integrated tannins and a fruity finish. Precise and beautiful. One of best ever. Better to drink in 2020." - James Suckling
Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
"Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting. The 2012 Gazin has a complex, quite mercurial bouquet that seems quite confit in style at the moment. After five minutes it offers raspberry coulis, wild strawberry, marmalade and minerals. You could nose this all day! The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, beautifully balanced with a harmony all its own. It glides across the mouth, so much so that it almost belies the structure underneath. This is seriously good—a top-drawer Pomerol with long-term ambitions. It may warrant an even higher score in the future. This is one to watch. Tasted January 2016." - Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Château Gazin 2012 (Pomerol Rouge) is a ripe, full‑bodied, 100% Merlot from the Pomerol plateau, showing rich dark fruit, truffle notes and silky but still present tannins in a warm, concentrated vintage.
What is the blend and structure?
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Grape varieties: 100% Merlot (unusual for Gazin; 2012 and 2013 were pure Merlot vintages).
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Appellation: Pomerol AOC, Bordeaux, France.
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Alcohol: About 14.5% ABV, moderated on the palate by high but silky tannins.
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Style: Full‑bodied, well‑rounded and supple, powerful without feeling heavy, with notable freshness for the year.
How does Château Gazin 2012 taste?
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Aromas: Dark plums and black raspberries, blackcurrant and cassis, with earthy, autumnal notes, truffle, tobacco leaf, underbrush and a touch of orange zest/mineral lift.
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Palate: Fresh plum sweetness on entry, ripe black fruit, soft but firm tannins and a silky mouthfeel; clean earthy undertone, chalky/mineral hints and semi‑sweet oak bitterness that complements the fruit.
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Finish: Clean, moderately long, with spicy notes, dark chocolate, orange peel and lingering plum‑skin and gentle oak tones.
How is this vintage positioned and how long will it age?
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Estate view: 2012 is described as “full‑bodied, well‑rounded, supple without being heavy,” a promising vintage likened in profile to 2009/2010 because of ripe fruit and high, silky tannin.
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Critics: Notes highlight complexity, balance and “understated elegance,” with scores up to mid‑90s and praise for its harmony and structure despite a challenging year.
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Aging window: Many tasters suggest the wine is entering a good drinking phase now, with capacity to evolve further; recommended window roughly 2020–2030+ depending on cellar conditions.
