Chateau Le Gay 2014 , Pomerol

Description

Chateau Le Gay in Pomerol (not to be confused with other Chateau Le Gays) can trace its origins back to the 1850s when it was known as Domaine Le Gay. It is a prestigious wine estate in the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, renowned for producing rich, opulent Merlot-dominant red wines. The company motto is “quality over quantity”.

Chateau Le Gay History

In the 18th century, the Chateau Le Gay estate was owned by Louis-Léonard Fontemoing, a prominent Libourne négociant. By the mid-19th century, it passed to the Greloud family, and in 1872, a portion of the vineyard was sold, leading to the creation of Château Lafleur. After World War I, the estate came under the Robin family, managed by Jean-Pierre Moueix, and was later run by the renowned Robin sisters, Marie and Thérèse, from 1946.

The Modern Era

Most recently, in 2002, the property was acquired by Catherine Péré-Vergé, the owner of several other Pomerol estates, including Château La Violette and Château Montviel (collectively Vignobles Parent). Under Péré-Vergé, the estate underwent major upgrades, including vineyard expansion by 3.4 hectares in 2006, new winemaking facilities in 2003, and a complete renovation in 2014 to enable micro-vinification (vinifying small parcels separately, often in barrels). Since 2004, Michel Rolland has been consultant winemaker. Today, the estate is run by Catherine’s son, Henri Parent.

Vineyards

The estate consists of some 10.5 hectares of vineyards, just to the north of the Pomerol plateau (it is quite a small estate). The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The vines have an average age of over 25 years old and yields are kept very small, as low as 15 to 20 hectolitres per hectare. Production of this Pomerol red wine is only around 1200 cases per year.

Winemaking

• The grand vin is normally a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.
• A long, cold pre-fermentation macerations allow tannins to be extracted over several days,
• Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation takes place in new oak barrels.
• The wine is aged in oak barrels for 16 to 18 months.
• Annual production is around 1200 cases

Chateau Le Gay 2014 is available at Fareham Wine Cellar.