2022 Château Vray Croix de Gay, Pomerol, Bordeaux
Critics reviews
Intense blackberry, kirsch, cherries dipped in black chooclate, liqourice. High alchols give a flash of heat while emphasising supple tannins, drama and Pomerol signature. Vincent Millet director across the group, overseeing Le Prieure and Vray Croix de Gay as well as Calon Ségur over in St Estèphe. Eric Boissenot consultant as of this year. 30% new oak for ageing, with the rest in one year old wine barrels and amphoras. 28hl/h yield, 30% new oak.
rink 2027-2042
Jane Anson, janeanson.com (May 2023)
The 2022 Vray Croix de Gay, aged for 18 months in 30% new oak, contains 10% Cabernet Franc this year with 14.5% alcohol. For the first time, the Calon-Ségur oversaw the vinification here. Now, this has a refined bouquet, less rustic perhaps than previous vintages, quite pure, dark berry fruit, a pleasing mineralité that percolate through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very harmonious. Where this really strides ahead of previous vintages is the mid-palate weight and the elegance that floods through on the finish. Joyous Pomerol. The best Vray Croix de Gay to date.
Drink 2027-2048
Neal Martin, Vinous.com (April 2023)
The 2022 Vray Croix de Gay is wonderfully elegant and sophisticated from the first taste. Aromatically expressive and nuanced, the 2022 is all class. Red berry fruit, mocha, spice, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco lend nuance throughout. Readers will find a Pomerol that is much more about finesse and persistence than size. Citrus-infused acids and a touch of spice lift the finish.
Drink 2028-2052
Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com (April 2023)
The 2022 Vray Croix de Gay, 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It bursts with bold notions of blackberry preserves, prunes, and boysenberries, giving way to notions of crushed rocks, tar, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate is jam packed with black fruit preserves flavors, accented by earthy undertones and framed with ripe, rounded tannins, finishing with a spicy lift. pH 3.85.
Drink 2027-2047
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent (May 2023)
Gently fragrant nose. Round and large on attack, the mid palate rich and full. Beautifully textured, the tannins fine and smooth. Reasonable persistence.
Drink 2028-2038
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com (April 2023)
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (April 2023)
A fine and fresh Pomerol with chocolate, hazelnut and dark berry, as well as orange peel. Really lovely and pretty.
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com (April 2023)
Quite herbal and darkly savoury on the nose, dark chocolate and liquorice elements with bramble fruit - this smells serious and concentrated, sticky sweet with hints of dates. Juicy and friendly on the palate initially - the Merlot has a certain plushness in the mouth with the tannins giving a small bounce and cushioning to the palate with some hints of sweet strawberry jam giving the playful appeal. Then the serious concentrated side kicks in with liquorice, wet stone and clove that edges the frame and gives the spiced definition and freshness from the mid palate onwards. Still a hefty, broad wine, just narrowed into a sleek line right now.
The wine was presented within the Calon-Segur stable with Vincent Maillet overseeing production. 3.85pH. A yield of 28hl/ha. Ageing 18 months, 30% new oak. Eric Boissenot consultant. Harvest 5 September - 22 September. Tasted twice. HVE certified.
Drink 2027-2042
Georgina Hindle, Decanter (April 2023)
About this WINE
Château Vray Croix de Gay
Located in the Pomerol appellation of Bordeaux, Château Vray Croix de Gay's history dates back to the 18th century when it was part of the larger Château La Croix de Gay estate. Over time, the property was divided, and Château Vray Croix de Gay emerged as a separate entity. The estate is currently owned by the Lasserre family, who have been involved in the wine business for several generations.
The vineyards of Château Vray Croix de Gay cover approximately 4 hectares and are planted with 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The estate practices sustainable viticulture, preserving the natural environment and producing high-quality grapes.
The winemaking is overseen by renowned winemaker Michel Rolland, known for his expertise in crafting rich and expressive wines. The wines are typically characterised by their elegance, complexity, and ageing potential.
While Château Vray Croix de Gay is not classified as a Grand Cru Classé in the Bordeaux wine classification system, it is considered one of the top estates in Pomerol.
Pomerol
Pomerol is the smallest of Bordeaux's major appellations, with about 150 producers and approximately 740 hectares of vineyards. It is home to many bijou domaines, many of which produce little more than 1,000 cases per annum.
Both the topography and architecture of the region is unremarkable, but the style of the wines is most individual. The finest vineyards are planted on a seam of rich clay which extends across the gently-elevated plateau of Pomerol, which runs from the north-eastern boundary of St Emilion. On the sides of the plateau, the soil becomes sandier and the wines lighter.
There is one satellite region to the immediate north, Lalande-de-Pomerol whose wines are stylistically very similar, if sometimes lacking the finesse of its neighbour. There has never been a classification of Pomerol wines.
Recommended Châteaux : Ch. Pétrus, Vieux Ch. Certan, Le Pin, Ch. L’Eglise-Clinet, Ch. La Conseillante, Ch. L’Evangile, Ch. Lafleur, Trotanoy, Ch. Nenin, Ch. Beauregard, Ch. Feytit-Clinet, Le Gay.
Merlot/Cabernet Franc
Merlot and Cabernet Franc are grape varieties commonly used in Bordeaux-style blends, particularly in the Bordeaux region of France. When these two grapes are blended, they can create a wine that combines the best characteristics of each variety.
Merlot is known for its smoothness, soft tannins, and ripe fruit flavours. It often contributes black cherry, plum, and chocolate flavours to the blend. The grapes are relatively easy to grow and ripen earlier than other Bordeaux varieties, making them versatile for blending.
Cabernet Franc, on the other hand, adds structure, depth, and complexity to the blend. It typically brings aromas of red fruits such as raspberry and strawberry, along with herbal notes like bell pepper and tobacco. These grapes have thinner skins and can be more challenging to cultivate, requiring specific growing conditions to reach their full potential.
When Merlot and Cabernet Franc are combined, the result is a well-balanced wine with various flavours and aromas. The blend often exhibits a Bordeaux wine's medium to full body, along with a smooth texture and moderate tannins. The specific flavour profile can vary depending on the proportions of each grape in the blend and the terroir and winemaking techniques employed.
Buying options
Add to wishlist
Description
Acquired by the owners of Ch. Calon Ségur in 2020, this is the first vintage under the full supervision of Vincent Millet. With parcels between Lafleur and Le Gay, and Le Pin and Trotanoy, this estate’s 3.67 hectares of sandy gravel and clay soils are clearly full of potential. The wine is starting to show the way. It is plush and velvety, and it will be raised gently with only 30% new wood, with the balance in one-year-old barrels and amphorae. Rich rather than complex, there is a lush headiness to the finish. This has plenty of potential.
Merlot 90%; Cabernet Franc 10%
Drink 2027-2040
Score: 16/20
Berry Bros. & Rudd (April 2023)
wine at a glance
Delivery and quality guarantee