Château Grand Mayne 2017

This remains a little overly tight and difficult to navigate, even after 18 months in barrel to soften up the tannins. There are lots of exciting works happening at Grand Mayne, and it is certainly an estate to watch. There are plenty of impressive gourmet elements in here but overall the oak is shutting down the fruit.

The 2017 Grand Mayne has an attractive bouquet of red cherries, wild strawberry and blackcurrant, with hints of humidor and clove emerging over time. There is clearly impressive intensity here given the growing season. The palate is well balanced with fine tannins. There is superb freshness and cohesion, with supple, lithe red berry fruit mixed with white pepper and bay leaf on the finish. This is an excellent wine from Jean-Antoine Nony and his team.

Classic in style, the wine is more interesting on the nose with its herb, tree leaf, flowers, smoke and bright red fruit on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, with a piquant red berry, olive and dark cocoa mid-palate and finish, the wine will be better with at least another 6–7 years in the cellar.

Deep dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening, fine precious wood savouriness, delicate vanilla and cherries, attractive bouquet. Medium body, elegant, black cherries, integrated, ripe tannins, mineral, chocolatey finish, has certain ageing potential.

Showing well, the 2017 Chateau Grand Mayne reveals a more ruby/purple color as well as complex notes of savory red and black fruits, sandalwood, flowery incense, and spice. With some background oak, medium to full body, and present tannins, it's going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age and keep for 10-15 years or more.

Garnet-ruby. A fascinating start, with ripe raspberries, rosehip tea and a delicate violet scent. On the dancing palate, Grand- Mayne moves lightly like a prima ballerina, backed by subtle tannins and an elegant structure. The focused finish shows lingonberry juice, fresh rosemary and sandalwood, ending with a gentle astringency. An absolute must-have for lovers of finesse!

Kunz barrel sample 18: velvety, fresh, elegant, powerful bouquet, blueberries, strawberries, fine mocha, light tobacco. Elegant, delicate palate with velvety, powerful fruit, plenty of fine tannins, dense, varied aromatics, long, delicate finish.

Silky, fresh, elegant, powerful bouquet, blueberries, strawberries, fine mocha, light tobacco. Elegant, delicate palate with velvety, powerful fruit, plenty of fine tannins, dense, multifaceted aromatics, long, delicate finish. 18/20 2024 - 2040

The 2017 Grand Mayne has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It scoots out of the glass with spritely scents of kirsch, black raspberries, and cedar, plus suggestions of damp soil and tapenade. Medium-bodied, the palate has a sturdy structure of chewy tannins and just enough freshness to support the savory flavors, finishing on a stewed tea note.

The wine is closing down; the generosity of structure glimpsed during the spring 2018 tastings is no longer evident.

Gently matured in shelter, this vintage holds back at first before finally revealing a lovely, harmonious softness. The wine pairs with light, discreet fruit, marked by supple tannins and a finish that tightens on gentle bitters. A bottle to open.

Fruity, ample, juicy wine, sapid, with supple tannins and a long finish.

A very classic and pleasant bouquet with notes of licorice wood, blackberry, and peppermint. A floral touch and appealing barrel-aging notes. On the palate, the wine is juicy and delightful. The tannins provide backbone and give breadth. They still need to gain in suppleness, but their firm character allows them to manage the structure’s temperament well. Fruity, refreshing finish. A fine success at Grand-Mayne.

The nose is fresh, precise and straight/elegant, with notes of cassis, fleshy wild blackberry and, more subtly, fleshy strawberry, joined by fine touches of toasty nuances, sweet spices, hazelnut and cocoa, as well as a discreet/imperceptible hint of violet and pepper in the background. The palate is fruity, well balanced and precise, offering a clear sense of juiciness, smoothness and freshness. On the palate, this wine shows notes of juicy blackberry, juicy cassis and, more lightly, wild strawberry, with fine touches of red berries/cherry, toast, tonka bean and a discreet hint of almond and spices. The tannins are a little tight, straight and very slightly dry. Good length.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. A ripe, lightly spiced fruity nose; finely fleshy on the attack, the wine unfolds with very fruity, even velvety texture. It glides into a smooth, very pleasant finish. It’s good and very well crafted.