This is certainly one of the great 2012s from Pomerol. What’s amazing is that it is 100% Merlot. Readers may have forgotten (or never knew) that a chunk of this vineyard was sold to Petrus in the early 1970s, but what remains is still a superb terroir and incredibly well-placed on the plateau of Pomerol, adjacent to Petrus and across the road from Lafleur. This wine tips the scales at 14.5% natural alcohol, which puts it right up there with the 2009 and 2010. This points further to the sensational success Pomerol enjoyed in 2012. It is inky purple in color, with a glorious nose of black fruits, an unctuous texture, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. Sometimes Gazin can show too much new oak in its youth, but that is not an issue with the 2012. This is sensational Pomerol and one of the great wines of this vintage. Give it another 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two to three decades.Robert Parker | 95 RPAromas of blueberries, roses and black truffles follow through to a full body, tight and integrated tannins and a fruity finish. Precise and beautiful. One of best ever. Better to drink in 2020.James Suckling | 94 JSFleshy, with dark plum sauce and blackberry reduction flavors wrapped in a solid coating of toasty vanilla and carrying through a cocoa-edged finish. Still has some toast to absorb, but this features a pleasant bolt of graphite and good lingering fruit and anise notes. Best from 2017 through 2023. 5,165 cases made. — JMWine Spectator | 91 WSRiper and fuller bodied than 2011. Lovely blackcurrant notes. Firm, long finish. Drinking Window 2019 - 2030.Decanter | 90 DEC
