France, Bordeaux

Château Mauvesin was purchased by the Barton family in 2011 after having been in the same family since the late 15th century. There are 49ha of vineyard in a single block around the elegant château (built 1853), with another 9 alongside in the Haut-Médoc rather than Moulis appellation. The main block is currently planted with 46% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Franc on calcareous clay, and 36% Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the gravel and sandy part, with 2% Petit Verdot. Its former Cru Bourgeois status seems to have lapsed, although the immediate investment in new kit by the Bartons would indicate a desire to reclaim it. The average vine age is around 35 years. Plot by plot vinification in small volume stainless steel tanks is followed by 14 mothns ageing in barrel, of which 1/3 is new wood. Melanie Barton-Sartorius is the technical director, the consulting oenologist is the Boissenot team.