Chateau Gazin 2012

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (94)

This may be the first time in the history of this estate that Gazin has been made from 100% Merlot. That was the favored cepage (grape varietal) in 2012, and Gazin has produced a powerful, concentrated, dark plum/purple-hued wine displaying notes of balsam wood, forest floor, camphor, blackberries and cassis. As the wine sits in the glass, hints of white chocolate and espresso roast (no doubt from the barrels used) emerge. Full, rich and intense, this impressive 2012 reminds me of the 2001, only slightly more masculine. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.

James Suckling (92)

Fleshy, ripe and enticing, with a singed mesquite note churning through the core of crushed plum, blueberry and blackberry paste flavors. Long and toasted on the finish, this remains polished and integrated. Opulent but not overdone

Rene Gabriel (18)

Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.

BOW (8.25)

Winespectator (92)

Fleshy, ripe and enticing, with a singed mesquite note churning through the core of crushed plum, blueberry and blackberry paste flavors. Long and toasted on the finish, this remains polished and integrated. Opulent but not overdone

Jancis Robinson (16)

Tasted blind. Light but convincing nose. Then teeters on the edge of oxidation on the palate. Drying finish. Though it’s certainly long. Quite a conundrum. Decent finish.

Vinous (93)

The 2012 Gazin is backward compared to its peers with introverted black fruit, black truffle and quite conspicuous cedar notes implying some Cabernet contribution. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy entry: white pepper infused red fruit, fine balance, modest depth with gentle grip. This is nicely proportioned and demonstrates assiduous winemaking. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.