One of the top successes of the vintage, the 2008 Le Gay, a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc (13.5% alcohol) was produced from tiny yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet nose of spring flowers intermixed with blueberries, blackberries, dark raspberries, crushed rocks and white chocolate. Full-bodied, super intense and extremely promising (although it is unusually backward for a 2008), it will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring and may merit an even higher score in a decade or so. It should last for 30+ years, making it one of the longest-lived wines of the vintage.

Racy blackberry and graphite notes are framed by light toast and mineral in this vibrant, expressive red. The ripe tannins are well-integrated and give backbone to the plush texture. There's beautiful balance, with depth and drive. Drink now through 2020. 1,500 cases made.

Concentrated bouquet of woodspice, tar, meat, chocolate and ripe black fruit. Super-charged and concentrated, complex and lush with a lovely balance. Very typical Pomerol. Superb. Alc: 14%.

2008 Le Gay is filled with truffles, Asian spice fresh plums and oak in the nose. On the palate the wine is rich and intense with layers of ripe black cherries, chocolate, licorice and blackberry.