2016 Gazin (Canon-Fronsac)

Bursting with Pomerol goodness, this was bought by my father during last year's Christmas celebrations (he misread the price on the label if I am really levelling with you, but he was thrilled with his mistake!). Plum pudding, incense, cocoa bean, cappuccino, creamy raspberry fruits, just tannic enough to be serious without being overly constrictive, thoroughly enjoyable. Ready to drink but will age.

The 2016 Gazin has a ripe bouquet featuring copious red berry fruit, orange peel, hints of dark chocolate and a dab of iodine. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fresh and very lithe in the mouth, and silky-smooth, although it does not boast the greatest depth. This is a very well made wine that should not require extended cellaring but will give years of pleasure. It may be entering a dumb phase, though. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Tasted blind. Fragrant, smells of green vegetation. Then pretty drying on the palate. Pinched. (JR)