Domaine de Maucaillou Margaux 2020

Description

Domaine de Maucaillou Margaux 2020, consistent with previous vintages, is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The dominance of Cabernet Sauvignon makes this a classic Left Bank Bordeaux red wine but bear in mind that the finesse, smoothness and refined fruity aromas make Margaux the “most feminine of the Médoc”. And this wine certainly lives up to that reputation; it is a classic Margaux wine. In addition, 2020 was an excellent vintage considered even legendary by some; hot weather meant that grapes were smaller and therefore flavours were very concentrated. As well as the typical Margaux black fruit aromas and flavours, there are also some rich red fruit flavours and spicy and earthy notes in Domaine de Maucaillou Margaux 2020. The vanilla and spice flavours come from the 12 months spent ageing in oak barrels and there are the “cigar box” aromas typical of the Left Bank wines of Bordeaux. This wine tastes as if it is older than it really is and, as always with Domaine de Maucaillou Margaux, the tannins are smooth. The tannins give the wine structure or backbone and potential for ageing but they are very nicely balanced by the fruit and the mouth-watering acidity. This wine will continue to develop, its savoury & earthy aromas and flavours becoming more prominent although the fruit flavours will still dominate for some time to come. Delicious!

Domaine de Maucaillou is small with just 2.3 hectares of vineyard (about five and a half acres) which means that it can be closely managed by the two sisters that own the property. It is situated in the heart of Margaux, perhaps the best known and most prestigious appellation of the Left Bank Bordeaux regions. The fine gravel over mineral-rich clay soils are believed to be among the better soils of the region helping to provide the structure, perfume, flavours and silky texture for which Margaux is known. The wines are deep in colour and concentrated. For another Left Bank Bordeaux, try Château Caronne Sainte Gemme Haut Médoc.