Man, that was a bargain and a half, oh well, we have to move on…

What’s a mission to Bordeaux without a cult garagiste Right Bank?

A rarely seen Saint Émilion Grand Cru from the brilliant and venerable JP Maltus portfolio.

You may recall Jonathan Maltus from all that World’s End we sold out, his Napa Valley project. The man happens to also be behind a LONG list of 95-100-point Bordeaux. He emerged as a leading visionary in the 1990s by pushing limits and breaking all the rules of traditionalism to set new expectations for quality and price. He does it all, most notably across places like Le Dôme, Château Teyssier and other top Right Bank estates such as Château Angelus neighbor Vieux Château Mazerat.

And another 2015 at such a crazy low price?! A vintage that is hard to surpass for drinkability now given the plush, soft and sext style born of the magical harmony between Merlot and Cabernet Franc…

So, what’s the magic here? “Over the last few years Maltus has started to pick a bit earlier, which gives his wines a touch more vivacity than in years past,” explains Antonio Galloni’s Vinous adding “but without fundamentally altering the lushness that is such a stylistic signature. This range is terrific across the board.”

Terrific indeed, look at those scores! No wonder Jeb Dunnuck says, “I continue to love the Vieux Château Mazerat from Maltus.”

Too bad we got just a few cases.

97 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2015 Vieux Château Mazerat is another sensational Saint Émilion from Jonathan Maltus. A blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, it offers a heavenly bouquet of blackberry liqueur, cassis, toasted spices, graphite, and scorched earth-like minerality. Deep, full-bodied, layered, and opulent, yet with awesome purity and precision, this tour de force is already approachable yet will cruise in the cellar for 15+ years. Bravo! Drink 2018-2033.”

96+ Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“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. Drink 2020-2045.”