1995 Château La Fleur de Gay

The 1995 La Fleur de Gay has begun to shut down following bottling. The color is a healthy dense ruby/purple. The nose displays aromas of minerals, pain grille, a touch of prunes, and gobs of black cherries and cassis intertwined with vanillin from new oak casks. This medium-bodied wine exhibits fennel-like black currant flavors, high tannin, and impressive purity, depth, and length. However, patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2018.

The 1995 La Fleur de Gay was harvested from September 20th. It has a ripe and inviting bouquet of redcurrant, freshly tilled earth, Moroccan leather and sage aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and good acidity. It is still quite backward and deserves further decanting than was afforded here. This has good depth of fruit, strict tannins and hints of roasted herbs toward the savory finish that you might think contained a little Cabernet Franc when, in fact, there is none. This would have benefitted from more persistency. Tasted June 2011. Tasting note taken from the Pomerol book by Neal Martin.

Black fruit and licorice aroma. Smooth and sweet, but lean for the vintage. But this is shapely and fresh. Has good grip without excessive tannins. Rather stylish if not especially concentrated.