Chateau Grand Mayne vintages 2011 and 2008
Both vintages give deep ruby with a tight garnet rim. Where the 2011 nose is a ripe and fresher blackberry jam with strawberry notes spices are black pepper, cloves and cinnamon, the 2008 blueberry and red cherries red plums plus rancio. On the tertiary front, 2011 provides tones of tea leaves, tobacco, eucalyptus and cocoa. Wood treatment with 2008 is more significant as it imparts roasted coffee, a touch of sweet, smoky oak and graphite. 2011 seems to have given a good structure, with a fresh, velvety palate filled with scents of pastille blackberry, spices powdery tannins. 2008 is refreshing, textured. Both are structured and of medium 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.
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).The score for vintage 2011 is stable, for example, RP91.
