2012 Vieux Chateau Mazerat

Tasted blind. A Jonathan Maltus wine. Vegy, meaty nose with some succulence and real polish. Dry finish. Fresh and with vegetation. A little green on the end. (JR)

The 2012 Vieux Chateau Mazerat is soft, sensual and nicely layered in the glass, with plenty of bold, red-fleshed fruit, expressive aromatics and a totally sensual, inviting personality. The most refined and polished of Jonathan Maltus's wines, Vieux Château Mazerat is less explosive than most of the other selections in the range. Instead, Vieux Château Mazerat makes its case with finesse. Mazerat, a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc from a site planted on clay over limestone, is a fabulous example of the modern style of Saint Emilion. It is also the hidden gem in this range.

Another single vineyard wine from the high-rent district, surrounded by Canon, Angélus and Beauséjour-Duffau, Jonathan Malthus’ inky ruby/purple 2012 is wonderfully concentrated with a boatload of blackcurrant and black cherry fruit intermixed with licorice, vanillin, and spice. Some underlying minerality buttresses the wine’s medium to full-bodied mouthfeel. The tannins are sweet and soft, and the wine very impressive. Drink this blend of 66% Merlot and 34% Cabernet Franc over the next 15 or more years.