2014 Château La Fleur de Gay
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Fleur de Gay has a modern sheen on the nose, perhaps greater use of new oak here, though it retains delineation and freshness. It just misses a bit of personality and terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, slightly dry tannins that frame mature dusty black fruit with (another) dry finish that doesn't drag you back for more. It's not bad overall, but it's not really going anywhere. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Very evolved but dense colour. Fragrant with mature aromas of undergrowth and leather. Juicy core with plenty of fruit inside the leathery tannins. Not particularly elegant but there’s pleasure to be had here. (JH)
Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Concentrated, even buttery nose. Rich and fresh at the same time. A little furry round the edges – a bit old-fashioned – but serviceable. (JR)
The 2014 La Fleur de Gay has much more complexity on the nose compared to its peers with intense blackberry, black truffle and smoke aromas emerging from the glass in orderly fashion. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin. There is still a layer of new oak to wade through at the moment, but there is certainly substance to soak that up with time. This is a more muscular La Fleur de Gay than previous vintages: structured with a firm backbone, but it will mellow and soften for those that will afford it requisite bottle age. One to watch.