Chateau Mauvesin Barton 2020

The vineyard is situated in the "Moulis-en-Médoc" appellation, to the north of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Part of the soil is clay-gravel, perfectly adapted for the development of Cabernet-Franc and Merlot. Another part is made up of fine gravel and gritty sand, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach full ripeness. The 46 hectares of vines comprise 54% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc.

Grape Composition: 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc

Decanter: 92
Melanie Barton has now been in charge at Mauvesin-Barton for 10 years, and there is a real feeling of the wine having found its voice - a gentle, fruit-forward Moulis with finesse if not a huge amount of power. Delicate with vibrancy, plenty of blackberry fruits with well-defined but soft tannins, they have really done a great job in the vintage, a value pick and I can't remember tasting a better example of this wine during en primeur. They suffered badly from frost in 2021.

Decanter: 92

Melanie Barton has now been in charge at Mauvesin-Barton for 10 years, and there is a real feeling of the wine having found its voice - a gentle, fruit-forward Moulis with finesse if not a huge amount of power. Delicate with vibrancy, plenty of blackberry fruits with well-defined but soft tannins, they have really done a great job in the vintage, a value pick and I can't remember tasting a better example of this wine during en primeur. They suffered badly from frost in 2021.

Wine Enthusiast: 91
Made with 59% of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a good structure and some solid tannins. It also has brilliant fruit, bright with black currant flavors and acidity that will age well.

James Suckling: 92
Aromas of black cherries and mulberries with hints of licorice and dried orange peel. Medium-bodied with silky texture and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Structured and compact with succulent fruit and a lingering finish with some savory notes to it. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90
The 2020 Chateau Mauvesin Barton brings more density and depth, yet it still has a more mid-weight, forward, pretty, and elegant style. A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, it offers up lots of red and black fruits, some spicy, dried herbs, and violet nuances, soft tannins, and a clean, lengthy finish. This balanced, elegant Moulis will keep for 10-12 years or more. Best After 2023.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90

The 2020 Chateau Mauvesin Barton brings more density and depth, yet it still has a more mid-weight, forward, pretty, and elegant style. A blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, it offers up lots of red and black fruits, some spicy, dried herbs, and violet nuances, soft tannins, and a clean, lengthy finish. This balanced, elegant Moulis will keep for 10-12 years or more. Best After 2023.