Château Mazeyres 2018

As already en primeur, we like the distinctive, juicy freshness of this wine, its tension and elegance.

Ripe and succulent, with a forward persona, showing plum and cherry preserve flavors lined with red licorice. There is friendly spice and a savory dimpled finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2027. 5,230 cases made.

Vibrant, vital and beautifully glossy in the glass. This is a wine I used to find somewhat heavy, burly and rustic; it is now the very antithesis, and the transformation is an excellent advert for the biodynamic winemaking here. Wild, lively, bright and dynamic, this has lovely zingy fresh fruit and herbal notes, with an intense dark crushed berry fruit – brambles, blackberries and loganberries.

Very pretty and subtle aromas of blackcurrants and violets follow through to a medium body with firm tannins and a delicate finish. Crisp. Try after 2023.

66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Biodynamic certification from 2018 onwards. Barrel sample. Darkest cherry red. Dark-fruited and a touch smoky with the scent of crushed rocks. Juicy red and black fruit. Lively and full of energy. Deliciously fragrant. (JH)

Medium-bodied, fresh, lively and light on its feet, the red cherry essence comes through nicely on the finish.

Classic Pomerol notes of black cherries, plums, violets, chocolate, and spring flowers emerge from the 2018 Château Mazeyres. Medium to full-bodied, it has a beautifully balanced, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated tannins, and a great finish. It has a firm, focused, yet concentrated style that's going to benefit from 4-5 years in the cellar yet evolve gracefully for 15 years or more. It's the finest wine I've tasted from this Château.

Kunz barrel sample 19: (66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot) Silky, fresh, fragrant, sweet bouquet, raspberries, redcurrants, balsa wood, fine mocha. Medium-bodied, fruity palate with sweet aromatics, good tannins, finely creamy structure, fresh fruit, light finish.

(66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot) Silky, fresh, fragrant, sweet bouquet, raspberries, redcurrants, balsa wood, delicate mocha. Medium-bodied, fruity palate with sweet aromatics, good tannins, finely creamy texture, fresh fruit, light finish. 17/20 2024 - 2036

The nose is fresh, elegant and complex, with a certain intensity and depth. It reveals notes of crunchy blackberry and fresh violet, then lighter hints of lilac, together with touches of fresh/ripe blue fruits and raspberry, as well as varietal nuances, grey pepper and a hint of fresh tobacco. The palate is fresh, fruity, mineral and balanced, offering a juicy/tangy backbone, freshness, fine crunch, smoothness, roundness, silkiness and a very fine concentration. On the palate, this wine shows notes of pulpy/juicy blackcurrant, fresh/crunchy blackberry and, more subtly, violet, joined by touches of vibrant blue fruits and hints of fresh/ripe raspberry, blueberry, varietal notes, fresh coffee and caramelization. Good length. A persistent finish on notes of small black fruits, coffee, flowers and a varietal touch. Good length.

Inky dark purple colour. Sweet plum, red berries, aromatic herbs, tobacco and mild oak on the nose. Rather dense structure, still youthful but balanced with ripe tannin, attractive young red fruit flavours and good length. A wine still needing a few years to open.