Château LA CROIX DE GAY 2015
In Pomerol, Château La Croix de Gay is among the historic estates of the appellation, located within a vineyard where Merlot naturally dominates soils mixing gravel and clay. The estate belongs to the Raynaud-Lebreton family, present in Pomerol for several generations and also linked to Château La Fleur de Gay. The property benefits from a fragmented terroir across different sectors, whose diversity allows combining richness of texture, freshness, and depth. Merlot forms the heart of the wine's identity, while Cabernet Franc brings a more floral and structuring dimension. The 2015 vintage is among the great successes of the right bank, with particularly favorable ripening conditions for Merlots and end-of-season weather allowing preservation of freshness and precision. This generous year gives La Croix de Gay a deep substance without losing the elegance expected of a Pomerol. After more than ten years of evolution, the wine is now beginning to reach a particularly harmonious phase, where the primary fruit gradually enriches with more complex nuances.
The blend of the vintage relies heavily on Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc. Merlot develops a broad and velvety body, with a generous expression of black plum, blackberry, and ripe cherry. Cabernet Franc brings freshness, a more vertical structure, as well as floral and spicy notes that balance the natural richness of the vintage. The different lots are vinified separately to respect the characteristics specific to each plot before the final blend. Extractions are conducted to preserve the finesse of the tannins and the brightness of the fruit, two essential elements in a naturally concentrated year like 2015. Aging in barrels then gradually refines the structure and promotes the integration of woody, spicy, and fruity nuances. Today, the wine retains enough depth and freshness to continue its evolution while already offering good accessibility.
The color shows a deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens on black plum, blackberry, and cherry, accompanied by violet, licorice, and cedar. Upon aeration, notes of cocoa, blond tobacco, sweet spices, and a hint of emerging truffle gradually appear. The palate is broad and silky, with now well-integrated ripe tannins giving the wine a harmonious and enveloping texture. The black fruit remains present but is accompanied by a more evolved dimension, while Cabernet Franc maintains a nice freshness through to the finish. The finish lingers on plum, spices, cocoa, and slight earthy nuances characteristic of Pomerol. Château La Croix de Gay 2015 will accompany roasted pigeon, beef filet with porcini mushrooms, rack of lamb, duck breast, or refined cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
