2015 Vieux Chateau Mazerat

Coming from a single vineyard possessing vines planted in 1947 and composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon with 35% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Vieux Chateau Mazerat opens with expressive crème de cassis, dark chocolate, charcuterie and plum preserves with hints of incense, Indian spices and cigar box. The palate is big and rich with firm, grainy tannins and a touch of prune character, plus a lively backbone and long earth-laced finish.

Jonathan Maltus pushes ripeness to the edge in the Vieux Château Mazerat. Blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, cloves, new leather and menthol are some of the many notes that run through the 2015. Maltus's wines are always very much on the opulent side of the things, but Vieux Château Mazerat sits on the extreme edge of ripeness and flamboyance in 2015. Although the wine has developed nicely, I find myself gravitating toward some of the other wines in the range.