Château MAILLET 2019
In Pomerol, Château Maillet belongs to the vineyards of the Moze-Berthon family, present in the Bordeaux wine landscape since 1820. Mickael Moze-Berthon, representing the seventh generation, now manages the family properties and has profoundly renewed the approach to this confidential cru. Starting with the 2014 vintage, the family has sought the advice of Hubert de Boüard de Laforest and completely redesigned the Pomerol winery to develop a cuvée bearing the name Château Maillet. The vineyard covers about 2.5 hectares within this small right bank appellation, known for its wines dominated by Merlot. The soils and small size allow precise work on the plots, with naturally low yields and a search for complete ripeness. Merlot represents the vast majority of the blend, complemented by a small proportion of Cabernet Franc which brings freshness and aromatic relief. The desired style favors a generous and deep matter, but with a refined texture and a particularly silky finish.
Château Maillet 2019 is made from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The property is distinguished by integral vinification in barrels, a technical choice that allows fermentation and the first stages of aging to be conducted in the same container. This method promotes a gradual integration of the wood and accompanies the natural richness of Merlot without separating vinification from aging. The wine then continues its maturation for about eighteen months in barrels. In the generous 2019 vintage, this approach produces a dense and concentrated matter, supported by ripe tannins and freshness that keeps the whole in balance. The fruit retains a precise expression despite the richness of the wine, with a structure combining depth, roundness, and energy. This architecture allows the 2019 to be already appealing after a few years in bottle while having real potential for evolution.
The color shows a very deep garnet with violet reflections, still marked by the youth of the vintage. The nose opens on blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry, then develops nuances of blackcurrant, licorice, and spices. Aeration gradually reveals cocoa, mocha, cedar, and a slight menthol freshness that adds relief to the richness of the fruit. The palate is ample and velvety, with a generous matter supported by fine but still structuring tannins. Merlot brings its enveloping texture and ripe black fruit, while the small proportion of Cabernet Franc helps maintain length and freshness. The finish is persistent, slightly spicy, with a return to black plum, bitter chocolate, and an earthy nuance characteristic of great right bank reds. Château Maillet 2019 will accompany duck breast, beef filet with porcini mushrooms, roasted pigeon, rack of lamb, or cuisine around black truffle.
Grape varieties: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
