Bordeaux 2018: The wines of Christian Moueix
07 June 2019
The Moueix family is inextricably linked to the success of Pomerol. Their vision and endeavour coupled with their ability to locate and secure great terroirs has led to the creation of the most enviable portfolio on the Right Bank. Perhaps their brightest jewel is the mighty La Fleur Petrus. Since the adoption of the vines from Providence and Guillot, this has become the largest cru on the plateau of Pomerol. And if anyone thought that blending these terroirs might in some way detract, they’d be sorely mistaken. La Fleur Petrus continues to go from strength to strength. The 2018 is a sensational, grand-scale, classical Pomerol with a huge beating heart of rich fruit and a perpetual and highly nuanced finish.
“The 2018 Lafleur-Petrus is a stunning wine. Creamy, ample and generous, the 2018 has it all. Silky tannins and bright floral notes give the 2018 an air of sophistication to play off the rich, textured fruit. As good as the 2018 is on first impression, it is also magically persistent, with an eternal finish and fabulous balance. 94-97/100”. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com Read More
Since its inception in 1999, Hosanna has attracted a legion of admirers. This is typically the most exotic and hedonistic example in the Moueix range. The 2018 is certainly decadent and powerful, yet this is still rather refined and elegant. Complex and indulgent, this is one of the most attractive and compelling Hosannas to date.
“The inky purple/blue-colored 2018 Château Hosanna is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc, all from a tiny 11-acre vineyard of clay and gravelly soils in Pomerol. Close in quality to La Fleur Petrus and Trotanoy (also in the lineup from Christian Moueix), it has a magical bouquet of blue fruits, tobacco, scorched earth, graphite, and crushed stone that, despite coming from a deep, rich, primordial barrel sample, is still layered and complex. Full-bodied, deep, and seamless on the palate, with fine tannins, it's a profound Pomerol that's going to flirt with perfection on release. 97-99/100”. - Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com
It seems like only yesterday that the Moueix team started restoring the fortunes of Belair. A name change and the incorporation of Magdelaine followed and now we are beginning to see the true potential of this great terroir. The steep, south facing limestone slopes, are capable of producing exquisite, haunting wines that last for an eternity. Anyone lucky enough to taste old bottles of Magdelaine and Belair will testify to their aging potential and sheer class. We have championed Belair Monange since 2008, but it is only since their first 100 point score for the magnificent 2015 that the wine world has paid sufficient attention to these wines. The 2018 is possibly the most profound effort yet. It is hugely impressive, with enormous concentration, yet impeccable balance and effortless charm – it’s absolutely ravishing!
“A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Belair Monange comes bounding out of the glass with all the energy and vigor of a pedigree puppy, offering notes of warm plums, wild blueberries, black raspberries and Morello cherries with touches of chocolate box, lilacs, underbrush, menthol and damp soil plus a waft of incense. Full-bodied, rich and decadently layered in the mouth, the densely packed layers are charged with energy, supported by firm, velvety tannins and a racy line of freshness, finishing very long and very spicy. 97-99/100”. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Advocate
The most recent addition to the Moueix portfolio is Clos La Madeleine, a jewel-like vineyard of just 2.3 hectares located on the south-facing plateau and terraces of Saint-Émilion. The vines are literally nestled between those of Château Bélair-Monange. Edouard walked us through the vineyards soon after the purchase. He explained that a lot of work was required, but he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm.
“A blend of 76% Merlot and 24% Cabernet Franc, the medium garnet-purple colored 2018 Clos la Madeleine starts off just a little broody, soon giving way to very pretty scents of tilled soil, rose hip tea and fallen leaves over a core of warm redcurrants, chocolate-covered cherries and baked plums plus a hint of wild sage. Medium-bodied, the palate possesses loads of zip with vivacious red and black fruits and a racy line of freshness backed up by a chewy texture, finishing long and earthy. Not sure what the price is, but I’m imagining there’s a lot of bang for your buck here! 92-94+/100”. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Advocate
And finally, and not strictly a Moueix property, but distributed exclusively by the Moueix clan, we have Certan de May. Jean-Claude Berrouet, the former wine-maker at Petrus is the Consultant Oenologist here and his craft is beginning to show in the wines. The 2018 is a resplendent offering. It is a dialled in Certan de May with less flamboyant fruit than normal. As a result it is much more cohesive and attractive proposition; taut, elegant and really engaging.
“The finesse and density to this young Pomerol is certainly impressive with gorgeous plum and floral character, full body and a very long and caressing finish. 95-96”. - James Suckling, Jamessuckling.com