2018 Chateau Maillet Pomerol

Pomerol needs no introduction. This majestic wine region, located on the right bank of Bordeaux, holds some of the most formidable (and expensive) wines in the entire world, including Château Petrus, a wine that will easily sell for over $5k a bottle. Just half a mile (yes, that's a 10-minute walk) away from Petrus, you'll find Pomerol's hidden gem, Chateau Maillet,an out-of-this-world Château that shares terroir with one of the single most important estates in the universe.

Chateau Maillet dates back to 1820 when the Moze Berthon Family was established in the area. Georges Moze was the first member to get involved in the wine business. The family was already producing wine under the name Chateau Gouperie and back then, Maillet was the second wine label from the estate.

In 2009, the Chateau started making L’Elegance, a merlot-driven wine. This wine and the incorporation of Hubert de Bouard of Chateau Angelus as their wine consultant led to the complete renovation of the Cellar of Pomerol and to the creation of Chateau Maillet: A new wine from the Pomerol appellation, made by an old and classic Chateau.

Coming from an epic 96-point vintage, that Vinous Media called "opulent, flamboyant," this brilliant Pomerol is a perfect blend of 90% Merlot and just a subtle touch of 10% Cab Franc. James Suckling called it a "classic beauty."And Jeb Dunnuck said it is a "complex, and sumptuous Pomerol that's already hard to resist."

Aging: Chateau Maillet is completely vinified in the barrel (alcoholic and malolactic fermentation) and it is also aged in a 100% new French oak barrel.

95 % Merlot 5 % Cabernet Franc. Garnet-purple color. On the nose, elegant notes of blueberries and blackberries, hints of mocha and cigar, and floral aromas like violets. On the palate, very structured, dark fruit, and long finish.  This is still a baby. Aerate for 30+ minutes and cellar through 2032. Pair this wine with mostly all meats: veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes, Asian Cuisine, and pasta.

Blackcurrants, blueberries, minerals, and cedar on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Juicy and suave texture with an ink-like feel on the palate. Very polished tannins. Tight finish that’s still in reserve. Underlying, classic beauty here. ~94 James Suckling.

Black cherries, mulberries, black tea, damp earth, and violet notes emerge from the 2018 Château Maillet, a spicy, medium to full-bodied, complex, and sumptuous Pomerol that's already hard to resist. With sweet tannins and plenty of mid-palate depth as well as loads of chocolaty fruit and opulence on the palate, it's going to continue evolving for 10-15 years.~93+ Jeb Dunnuck.

The nose is fruity, aromatic, and offers power. It reveals notes of ripe cassis, ripe blackberry, and small notes of grilled bread associated with fine touches of Cuben pepper, and raspberry as well as discreet hints of violet and spices. The palate is fruity, and well-balanced and offers juiciness, minerality, an acidulous frame, density, concentration, fullness, power as well as a small freshness. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy blackberry, juicy raspberry, and small notes of juicy red berries associated with fine touches of violet, iris, subtle hints of sweet spices (in the background) as well as a discreet hint of mild tobacco and fine hints of toasted almond on the finish. Good length. ~91-92 Vertdevin.