France

Vieux Chateau Mazerat

Vieux Chateau Mazerat Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Bordeaux

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

High levels of extraction, making the oak fairly evident, less generous than in some years, but this delivers estate signature and deep berry fruits in a vintage where it wasn't easy to do. 80% new oak. Last year with a plot of vines planted in 1947, harvest 1 to 7 October. 3.78 pH, 32hl/hha, 

Inside Bordeaux

A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Mazerat has a pH of 3.78 and a deep garnet-purple color. It bursts with bold notions of preserved plums, boysenberries, and licorice, followed by hints of violets and black pepper. The medium-bodied palate is taut, with muscular black fruit and a firm frame of ripe, rounded tannins, finishing earthy.

by Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW

The 2022 Vieux Chateau Mazerat, 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, is deep garnet-purple in color. It waltzes out with flashy notes of black cherry compote, plum preserves, and blackberry pie, giving way to wafts of crushed rocks, tar, and Sichuan pepper with a touch of lavender. The full-bodied palate is laden with black and blue fruit preserves with firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy. This is impressive! pH 3.75.

Chalky tannins, cocoa bean, attractive mouthwatering juice through the mid palate and on the finish, plenty of gunsmoke and raspberry fruits. Skilful winemaking. 80% new oak. First year in new cellars. No chaptilisation. 3.64ph. Higher Merlot than is typical for VCM because the Cabernet Franc has been used in Le Dôme, and grapes that are usually used for Les Carrés have been included here following low yields from frost. Michel Longo new vineyard manager (moving over from Pavie), Thomas Duclos consultant, Neil Whyte head winemaker.

The 2020 Vieux Chateau Mazerat is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, less Cabernet Franc than usual, as this grape variety went into Le Dome this year. Deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out with notes of fruitcake, kirsch, and boysenberry preserves with hints of prunes, Indian spices, and sandalwood. The medium-bodied palate is spicy and chock full of dried berry flavors with  a racy backbone and plush texture, finishing with great length.

This opens with tons of liqourice and taut black fruits. Still as knitted down as it was En Primeur, with floral notes and a core of saline minerality, this will need a good seven to eight years in bottle before it really starts to open up, but it is clearly an exceptional, carefully crafted wine that will reward patience. 80% new oak.

2024	No priceNot available	Excellent
2023	No priceNot available	Outstanding
2022	No priceNot available	Outstanding
2021	No priceNot available	Excellent
2020	No priceNot available	Excellent

Category	Red wine
Vinmonopolet no.
Producer	Vieux Chateau Mazerat
Vintages	1989
Country	France, Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
Bottle	75 cl

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