Home > Producer Profiles > Bordeaux Profiles > Chateau Mazeyres

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.

Chateau Mazeyres 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

Click to locate stockists:

2005

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)

2001

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)

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)

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)

1998

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)

1997

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)