Winemaker and Vineyard: Château Gazin's vineyard stretches over an area of 26 hectares, in one piece, on the upper terrace of the Pomerol terroir. The terroir of Château Gazin is composed of Gunzian gravel on the surface and a subsoil of blue and green clays with iron oxides (iron residues). These clays (smectites) ensure a reasonably stable water supply for the vines, characteristic of great terroirs. The clay-gravel subsoil of the Pomerol plateau is the essence of Château Gazin's terroir.

The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The average age of the vines is 35 years. The vines are planted with a density of 5,500 to 7,000 per hectare. The vines are cultivated using traditional cultivation methods and an environmentally friendly approach with plowing, organic fertilizers, minimal use of pesticides, and manual harvesting.

Tasting: Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Gazin (a blend of 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc) leaps from the glass with vibrant notes of warm plums, black raspberries, and kirsch, plus suggestions of wild mushrooms, fragrant earth, Sichuan pepper, and tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers impressive energy with approachable, rounded tannins and a lively backbone framing the crunchy red and black fruits, finishing long and earthy. robertparker.com (03.31.2021)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany Bordeaux-style lampreys.