Vieux Chateau Mazerat Grand Cru 2018

Jonathan Maltus, an Englishman originally from Africa, has always been a strong believer that a bottle of wine should be judged by the taste of its contents over the ‘big name’ label slapped on the front.

His philosophy can be most easily described in two parts: do things differently and do things better. Arriving in Saint-Émilion during the ‘garage period’ in the 1990s when breaking the rules of classic Bordeaux was all the rave, Jonathan soon gained a reputation for being able to produce a range of wines which stood out just as successfully for being unique as for being top quality. Now leading dynamic teams in both Bordeaux and Napa Valley, he’s more ambitious than ever and a driving force for change.

Grape: 65% Merlot 35% Cabernet Franc

Region: St-Emilion, France.

Tasting Note: It has a rich, polished, darkly spiced nose, with twists of oak and cinnamon wrapped around the fruit, which is all grilled red cherry, the Cabernet Franc coming in here, with black bean and black olive, certainly capturing the spirit of the vintage.

A fine, fresh, rich yet elegantly textured palate, redolent of plum cream, perfumed wild raspberries, with violets and rose petal notes to the fruit, as well as coffee bean, oaky spice and cinnamon, all underpinned by a rich but barely noticeable bed of tannin, along with a fresh and energetic acid lift. It is broad and bold, but with vivacity as well as breadth and substance. A truly impressive grand vin, beautiful, dark and brooding, loaded with texture, grip, energy and a polished substance.

Food Pairing: Grilled Lamb Chops in Bordelaise Sauce.