Château La Fleur de Gay 2021

A Pomerol red wine with seductive complexity and balance

The estate

Owned by the Raynaud-Lebreton family and with origins dating back to 1477, Château La Fleur de Gay is located on the medieval road that goes from Saint-Émilion to Guitres. The estate is located on what used to be the historic village of Pomerol, the hamlet of Pignon, to the north of the appellation.

The vineyard

Château La Fleur de Gay’s vineyard covers 2 hectares of vines and benefits from a very large terroir that showcases the typical features of Pomerol. The vines are located on 3 parcels on the appellation’s high terrace. The 2021 vintage of this Pomerol wine is made from vines planted on parcels of pure Lafleur clay (14%), Günzian gravel resting on clay in the Gay plot (46%) and high gravel on clay in the Groupey plot (40%).

The vintage

2021 reveals a contrast between a vintage that boasts a very fresh aromatic palette and a year marked by global warming. Slightly later than during the year 2020, budbreak was recorded at the end of March. By way of comparison, the Japanese cherry trees bloomed from March 26th, the earliest date since the year 812! The period from April to July is marked by an unusual jet stream and unstable weather conditions. Periods of frost on the 7th and 8th of April had little impact on the vineyard, which was protected by heaters. Although the beginning of June was hot, the end of the month was very humid. Due to the high pressure of mildew from mid-July to mid-August, the château's teams increased their efforts to preserve the vineyard’s healthy condition. While the end of summer was more stable, September alternated between sunny days and rainy spells. Perfectly ripe and showcasing a beautiful aromatic palette, the harvested grapes combine freshness, fruitiness, structure and balance.

Vinification and ageing

Manual harvesting. The wine is aged in barrels (65% new, 35% second fill).

The blend

Château La Fleur de Gay 2021 comprises a blend of Merlot (95%) and Cabernet Franc (5%).