Andrew Jefford: Deep, dense, and dark black-red. Lots of fresh oak just now, which is nice enough with the subdued plum fruits, but we hope that it will pull back in time. Earthy, soft, rich, lush, and gratifying. Very classic, in its gentleness and its enveloping qualities. The fruit isn’t quite as concentrated as it would be in a great vintage, nor does it have the lunge and persistence of a hot summer to it, but this is a beautiful performance in 2012, and it’s a hugely enjoyable mid-term Le Gay. 2018–25. 92

Michael Schuster: Almost raisiny sweet to smell; full, very firmly tannic; plenty of ripe fruit flavor here, but within a slightly rustic, chewy tannic frame, from both oak and extract; overall sweet and chunky, moderate complexity, nice light length. A particular, slightly old-fashioned style—which you have to like. I’d like a bit more polish. 2022–32+. 89