Château Mazeyres 2017

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Mazeyres rocks up with a baked plums and boysenberries-scented nose giving way to notions of marmite toast, black olives and garrigue. Medium-bodied, the palate possesses plenty of juicy black fruit and a soft, well-managed texture, finishing on a fragrant earthy note.

Soft and forward in style, with a gush of fig, plum and boysenberry preserve flavors, liberally laced with notes of black licorice and pain d'épices. The lush finish drapes like velvet. A hedonist's delight. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2021 through 2035. 3,048 cases made.

From sandy clay soils, this tends to be a little more floral in its expression than many of its peers, and certainly in 2017 it is fairly bright, lacking a little bit of power. Think of this as an accomplished, juicy and fresh early-to-medium drinker, packed with cool blue fruits and a white flower twist. It wasn't easy to fully ripen the fruit on this soil type in 2017, and they were also affected by frost over 57% of the estate, bringing yields down to 17hl/ha. Tasted twice. 33% new oak, 27% in vats and the rest in one-year-old barrels. Organic and biodynamic.

Crushed-berry and lemon-peel character come through clearly here. Hint of tar. Medium body, fine tannins and a tangy finish. A little hollow, but pleasant enough. From organically grown grapes. Drink in 2021.

The 2017 Mazeyres has an open bouquet with red cherries and crushed strawberry, scents of dark chocolate and a wet sand aroma in the background. The palate is soft and rounded on the entry. Not a deep Pomerol, but well balanced with fine purity, velvety smooth on the finish. Drink this over the next decade.

A medium-bodied, fruity, plummy, chocolate-centered wine with a straightforward, soft-textured, early-drinking, pleasurable approach.

A blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc brought up in one-third new oak, the 2017 Chateau Mazeyres is a classic, well-made, enjoyable Pomerol offering complex tobacco, damp earth, cedary herbs, and ample dark fruits. Hitting the palate with medium-bodied richness and depth, it has a silky texture, polished tannins, and a great finish. Thomas Duclos consults here, and this 2017 represents an excellent value for the true wine lovers and drinkers out there. It should keep for 10-15 years.

Kunz barrel sample 18: fresh, light bouquet, red cherries, currants, wood, smoke. Medium-bodied, slightly bony palate with sweet fruit, fine sandy tannins, a rather slender structure, light finish.

Subtle, light bouquet with red cherries, redcurrants, wood, and smoke. Medium-bodied, slightly angular palate with sweet fruit, fine sandy tannins, a rather slender structure, and a light finish. 16/20 2022 - 2032

Very supple, lacking depth for the appellation. But its immediate finesse may be appealing.

Fruit and freshness dominate the bouquet of Mazeyres 2017. Pleasant, inviting character with aromas of redcurrant and blueberry. A herbal touch. On the palate, the wine stands out for its finesse and elegance. It is luscious, balanced, and already very approachable. A delicious wine to enjoy in its youth.

The nose is aromatic, offering intensity, a fine grain, sensuality, and a touch of power/concentration. It reveals notes of ripe blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, and, more subtly, ripe blue fruits, together with small touches of dark chocolate/hazelnut, cornflower/flowers, plum, as well as fine hints of Cubeb pepper, exotic spices, and a very discreet hint of caramelization/nutmeg. The palate is fruity and balanced, with good definition, juiciness, a mineral backbone, smoothness, aromatic precision, straightness (a slightly linear edge), tension, a fine grain, crunch, and a lovely touch. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy/juicy blackberry, fleshy/juicy blue fruits, and, more subtly, fleshy/juicy raspberry, combined with fine touches of flowers (lilac, cornflower, etc.), a subtle varietal hint, and discreet touches of dark chocolate and toasted/sweet spices. Good length and persistence. A subtle chew on the finish.

Dark color, of normal and lively intensity. Discreet nose, fruity with citrus notes. Velvety palate, tasty, pleasant, with medium body and length.