Wine Advisor
La Croix De Gay 2008
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Soft, fruity and seductive with a dark garnet color as well as evolved, slightly herbaceous, plum, black cherry, underbrush and loamy soil characteristics, this attractive, silky, round, plump 2008 can be drunk now and over the next decade.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Syndicat de Pomerol. The 2008 La Croix de Gay shows much better than it did out of barrel. It has an ebullient, well-defined nose with red cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of Chinese tea. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, good weight and focus here, lovely purity towards the svelte finish with blackberry, raspberry and a touch of spice. Very fine. Tasted December 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The La Croix de Gay 2008 has a lovely floral bouquet with black cherries, date and crushed strawberry, all with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied and toasty, lacking the same clarity as the nose with notes of blackberry and raspberry leading to a slightly dry, conservative finish in keeping with the style of the vintage. Tasted January 2012.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The finest wine I have tasted from this estate over recent years, La Croix de Gay’s 2008 exhibits superb fruit density, a deep ruby/purple color, and significant concentration. Yields were 35 hectoliters per hectare, and the blend is 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Made by Chantal Lebreton and Alain Raynaud, it should drink nicely for 15+ years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
En primeur barrel sample. This has a light nose that could do with more fruit concentration. Rather subdued. Sharp entry on the palate, the tannins slight coarse, earthy on the mid-palate with a sharp, dry, pointed finish. Short length. Tasted April 2009.
About the Producer
Chateau La Croix de Gay is a member of the Union Des Grands Crus De Bordeaux and one of the Pomerol appellations in Bordeaux, France. Château Gay Cross has been run by five generations of the Ravnaud family, whose history is closely linked to the Pomerol appellation. The current owner of the estate is Chantal Lebreton. Located in the best location on the Pomerol plateau, Château Gay Cross combines traditional methods with modern techniques. Nourished by the excellent terroir of Pomerol, the wines of Gay Cross are capable of giving off aromas of vanilla, almond and red fruit, winning awards in various competitions and satisfying the discerning wine lover. Gay Cross currently has 4 hectares of vineyard, 95% of which is devoted to Merlot grapes and 5% to Cabernet Franc, all of which have an average age of 30 years. When the grapes reach the ideal state of ripeness, the winery harvests them by hand. The harvested grapes are selected, broken into skins and then vinified in the traditional way. The wine is then matured in 50% new French oak barrels for 18 months before being bottled in the winery
