2008 Chateau Grand Mayne, St Emilion Grand Cru Classe
Deep ruby colour with garnet rim. Nose of blueberry plus rancio, roasted coffee, and a touch of sweet, smoky oak and graphite. Quite bodied for Right Bank standard, with exceptional density, ripe and resolved tannins as well as wood spices. Reasonble fruit on the palate with plums and red cherries, good acidity and texture . Refreshing, finish; nice length. we always believe it is one of the best-value Right Bank in the traditional style(partial oak fermentation and extended storage more than 18 months) with evident reformation towards modern style(towards 100% new oak at times). The 21 hectare St. Emilion vineyard of Grand Mayne plants to 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon with vines that average close to 30 years of age with 5,500 vines per hectare, hence there is always some complexity and intensity. And, 2008 is a Merlot year, hence this wine is considered as good as its 2005 and 1998 vintages.
The vineyard of Chateau Grand Mayne lies to the west of Saint Emilion, at the foot of the plateau, hence specific structure and greenness sometimes. Even though the vineyard is in one large block of vines, Chateau Grand Mayne is the result of two different terroirs, hence the diversity of taste. On the hillsides, which reach an elevation of 55 meters at its peak, Grand Mayne has vines planted in clay and limestone soils. A portion of these vines borders Chateau Beau-Sejour Becot(a rich, full and tannic style). Further down the hillsides at the base of the slopes and in the flats, you find sand over clay which abuts Chateau Laroze(the form of soft, fragrant and fruity).
Lots of good comments, for example.
WE 92. Very structured, its acidity allowing freshness while the dominant tannins give weight. The fruit lies comfortably underneath, the current bitter edge sure to be integrated over a few years. For medium-term aging.
RP91. A sleeper of the vintage, this impressive, full-bodied, surprisingly concentrated 2008 offers an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a glorious perfume of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberry liqueur and cassis. Full-bodied and impressively broad and savory with silky tannins, it is an unqualified success in the vintage. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years,.
