2014 Gazin (Canon-Fronsac)

The 2014 Gazin has a Merlot-driven bouquet with orange pith-infused red fruit, hints of rusty piping and forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, elegant though not complex. I can appreciate the harmony of this Pomerol and the spiciness that comes through on the finish, though it is not a "keeper". Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.

Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Sweet, senescent red fruit. Leathery but fresh. Chewy, oaky, chalky-thick tannins. Not elegant but lots of fruit and depth until the slightly drying finish. I scored this more highly than any of the other tasters in the group. (JH)

The 2014 Gazin has another earthy bouquet, the red fruit laden with scents of white pepper, clove and bay leaf, yet perhaps missing the vibrancy of other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, masculine and overtly austere. It lacquers the mouth with a vice-like grip, dense and foursquare on the finish. It is impenetrable at the moment; a Pomerol that does not want to get to know you, but let’s see what it will do with bottle age. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.