Chateau Mayne Mazerolles – Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux – 2020

Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
The historic property of Château Mayne Mazerolles is situated close to the town and Citadel of Blaye, a Vauban fortress which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vineyard stretches over 30 hectares in the Blaye appellation on the right bank of the Gironde in Bordeaux. The estate is now managed by winemaker Jacques Chardat who follows a philosophy of utmost respect for the vines, cultivating the vineyard sustainably and is in conversion to organic status. He produces stunning Merlot based wines of real character.

VINTAGE:
Despite initially challenging weather, the 2020 Bordeaux vintage was excellent. The winter was unusually wet and remained so throughout the spring. Hail also struck some vineyards during this period. However, conditions eased, allowing for a successful flowering followed by a particularly hot, dry summer with surprisingly cool nights, from June through to September. September brought welcome rains, reviving the vines. Harvest took place under ideal conditions, producing small, thick-skinned and highly concentrated berries, resulting in rich wines, slightly raised alcohol levels, with balancing acidity and a fresh, fruity appeal.

VINEYARD:
The Château is located in the town of Cars, in the appellation of Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. The vineyard is made up of south facing plots on a plateau with claylimestone soils and a terroir known locally as “gruppes”, which is formed of small, white pebbles. The vineyard is cultivated according to traditional and sustainable viticulture practices, with an emphasis on respecting the soil, the environment and the vine. The vines are trained according to the double Guyot system and are carefully pruned to ensure a maximum yield of 45 hectolitres per hectare. The soil under the vines is scattered with oats or barley to produce a green manure; insecticides are not used. The vineyard is in conversion to organic.

WINEMAKING:
Traditional Bordeaux vinification, with pre-fermentation maceration taking place at low temperatures, in order to extract the vibrant fruit flavours. Fermentation took place at controlled temperatures. 20% of the wine was aged in barrels for six months; the remainder was aged in vat to retain the purity of fruit, elegance and freshness.

TASTING NOTE:
An elegant, black fruited wine with discreet notes of spicy, vanilla oak and wild sage. Opulent and textured with fine, smooth tannins and blackberry flavours that linger on the persistent finish.

GRAPE:
Merlot 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Malbec 10%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Bordeaux

SUB-REGION:
Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux