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Chateau Mazeyres
Chateau Mazeyres is in Pomerol stands on an ancient site, as demonstrated by the presence of Gallo-Roman archaeology near the chateau. There has been wine production here for centuries, and as recently as the 19th Century the estate was one of the largest in Pomerol, with a considerable 30 ha under vine, although this had fallen to 10 ha in more recent times. In 1988 Chateau Mazeyres was purchased by Caisse de Retraite de la Société Générale, just one of several financial institutions to have purchased Bordeaux properties over the past few decades. The property needed an extensive overhaul, and Alain Moueix, who now runs Chateau Fonroque as well as a host of other right bank properties, was just the man for the job. He was appointed here in 1992, and he immediately set about the task in hand.
First step was to double the area under vine, from 10 ha to 20 ha. In doing
so the vineyards were reorganised, with some plots of vines uprooted and
replaced, in order to ensure that grape varieties and soil type were correctly
matched. Like much of the right bank the soils are a mix of clay with gravel and
sand, and there are also traces of iron and. The vines are now planted at a
density of 6000 vines/ha, and comprise 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. They
are cropped at a typical yield of 48 hl/ha. Harvesting is by hand. The winery
itself was also modernised, together with the installation of brand new small
fermenting vats with temperature control. After fermentation the wine undergoes
malolactic fermentation, two thirds in vat before transfer to used oak, one
third in new oak barrels. The wine stays here for 18 months before a light egg
white fining, but no filtering.
The grand vin is Chateau Mazeyres, of which about 7000 cases are produced per annum. The second wine is Le Seuil de Mazeyres, of which about 1600 cases are produced. (22/4/04)
Contact details:
Address: Chateau Mazeyres, 56 avenue Georges Pompidou, 33500 Libourne
Telephone: +33 (0) 5 57 51 00 48
Fax +33 (0) 5 57 25 22 56
Internet: www.mazeyres.com
Chateau Mazeyres - Tasting Notes
Chateau Mazeyres (Pomerol) 2005:
This has a little raft of dark fruits on the nose, with some liquorice elements,
but otherwise it does not seem very open. The palate has a ripe, supple and
smooth composition, with a seamless, elegant presence in the mouth. There is
pleasing although restrained fruit, with nice grip underneath. It has the gentle
polish that is typical of Mazeyres, without the punch that the vintage has
brought to other wines of the commune. From my tasting of
2005 Bordeaux at two
years of age. 16.5-17+/20 (November 2007)
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Chateau Mazeyres (Pomerol) 2001: This has a rather woody character on the nose, and in fact isn't really
very expressive otherwise. The palate is lean, and doesn't offer the pleasing
texture that many of the other wines seem to possess. There is little fruit
expression on the palate also, with a considerable layer of tannins. It has a
rather hard and austere finish. It may just be closed down, although that would
not usually affect the texture. It would be worthwhile revisiting this, if and
when I get the chance. From a tasting of
2001 Pomerol. 15.5?/20
(February 2008)
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Chateau Mazeyres (Pomerol) 2001: A more lifted nose, with some exotic
aromas. Medium body on the palate, with a lot of structure in the form of firm
tannins and acidity. Black fruits with a touch of perfume. This has appeal, but
not the impact of the preceding vintage. 15.5+/20 (November 2003)
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Le Seuil de Mazeyres (Pomerol) 2001: The second wine. A fruit dominated nose.
A good fleshy palate, with soft, sweet ripe fruit and a decent tannic backbone.
For current drinking. 15/20 (November 2003)
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Chateau Mazeyres (Pomerol) 1998: Much more dense fruit on the nose
here, again with emerging notes of freshly roasted cashew nuts alongside. A
lovely texture on the palate. It is rich and weighty, mouth-filling and creamy.
Lovely and very typical. There is still some tannin in the background, and firm
acidity, and if truth be told it is still somewhat backward overall. This needs
five years. 16+/20 (November 2003)
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Chateau Mazeyres (Pomerol) 1997: This has classic Pomerol character,
with exotic aromas rising alongside notes of cashew nuts and mature fruit. The
palate is rounded, integrated and ready, with some soft acidity keeping it
fresh. A good effort for the vintage. 14.5/20 (November 2003)
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