An exuberant, sweet bouquet of caramelized black cherries and currants interwoven with tapenade, toasty oak, earth, and truffles soars from the glass of this dark purple-hued 2005. It is a rich, concentrated, full-bodied, impressive effort displaying well-integrated wood and unobtrusive acidity. This is the finest Gazin since the brilliant 2001. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2028.

The 2005 Gazin is a big, masculine, full-throttle Pomerol that comes closer to the style of a Pauillac than some of the other Pomerols. Nevertheless, this wine is locked and loaded, with an inky plum/purple color, stunning concentration, a boatload of tannin, and unlimited upside potential. Sweet cassis, plum, vanilla and truffle notes are followed by a dense, deep, profound wine with blackcurrant and black cherry fruit, high extraction, and a multi-layered texture. This is a long distance runner, even for a 2005, and probably won’t even be close to full maturity for another decade. It should easily last 30 or more years.

Rich and concentrated. Plenty of creamy red fruit with a firm tannic structure. Powerful and long. Potentially as good as the 1995. Drink 2014-2030. (17.5 points)