Chateau Mauvesin Barton 2020

Product info about Chateau Mauvesin Barton 2020

Château Mauvesin Barton 2020 is a dry red Bordeaux from Moulis-en-Médoc on the left bank of the Gironde. In this vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon takes the lead, supported by Merlot and a smaller share of Cabernet Franc. That gives the wine a recognisably Médoc feel: structured, dark-fruited and classically framed.

The grapes come from the estate's own vineyards, where clay, gravel, fine gravel and sandy gravel all play a role across the different parcels. Fermentation and maceration take place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by 12 to 15 months in French oak barriques, around one third of them new. The oak brings toast, spice and gentle roasted nuances, while the tasting notes do not describe it as dominant.

The 2020 Bordeaux vintage was shaped by a mild, wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer. At Château Mauvesin Barton, that helped build concentrated fruit and led to a blend more strongly driven by Cabernet Sauvignon than the estate's general vineyard planting. The château has carried its current name since the Barton Sartorius family acquired the historic estate in 2011; the family is also connected with Château Léoville Barton and Château Langoa Barton in Saint-Julien.

At Drankenshop Broekmans, this is the kind of Bordeaux we would point out to someone looking for left bank structure without moving into an overly heavy style. The 2020 vintage has received several solid critical appraisals around 90 points and above. With only the last bottles remaining, it is worth considering if you specifically want to taste this Moulis-en-Médoc in its 2020 form.

In the glass, Château Mauvesin Barton 2020 shows a ruby colour and a medium-bodied structure. The aromatic side brings together wild strawberry, red fruit, black cherry, mulberry and blackcurrant, followed by violets, heather, dried herbs and more classic Médoc notes of tobacco, pencil shavings and graphite.

On the palate it is dry and balanced, with juicy red and dark fruit, fresh acidity and present but integrated tannins. The finish brings in liquorice, dried orange peel, toast, coffee, chocolate, a light touch of vanilla and a subtle saline impression.