Chateau Franc Mayne 2021

Herbal spice, green bell pepper, tobacco, red and dark berries. Round on the attack, then gripping, noticeable tannins, good length. Characterful, but with little charm.

The 2021 Franc-Mayne opens in the glass with aromas of ripe mulberries, dried rose petals, baking chocolate and subtle spices. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, it has an ample core of fruit framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the discreetly firm finish.

Lightly framed but with clarity and precision. Quite lean and direct, not in a harsh way, but this is focused on the purity of fruit, high acidity and the delicacy of slightly chalky tannins. It’s silky and fresh with mouthwatering acidity and fun juicy strawberry flavors, but it’s just missing a touch more push. Still, it’s easy to drink and enjoy, balanced with each element in place and nothing trying too hard.

The 2021 Franc Mayne has a very aromatic bouquet, not quite as refined as I was hoping for from barrel, with a touch of nail varnish lurking behind the high-toned red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly angular tannins, a little austere and short on the minty finish. I was expecting more from this. Tasted three times.

Savory herbs, black cherries and spice crowd into the nose. On the palate, the wine is soft, creamy and fresh, leaving you with sweet red fruits and peppery spice on the back end. Things are definitely on the upswing here. You can enjoy this on release. Drink from 2024–2038.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core and purple hues. Fresh wild berries, a hint of plums, a subtle touch of figs, a chocolatey note. Medium-bodied, hints of plums, salty minerality, vivid tannins, finish a little dry.

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (organic, 100% Merlot, 22 hl/ha, 13.5% vol. alcohol, production 13,500 bottles) Fruity, delicately opulent bouquet, blackberry jelly, strawberries, tobacco, subtle nougat. Fresh, powerful palate with intense, sweet fruit, fine tannins, a delicately opulent structure, sweet aromatics, and a long, firm finish.

(Organic, 100% Merlot, 22 hl/ha, 13.5% abv, production 13,500 bottles) Fruity, delicately opulent bouquet, blackberry jelly, strawberries, tobacco, subtle nougat. Fresh, powerful palate with pronounced sweet fruit, fine tannins, a delicately opulent structure, sweet aromatics, long, powerful finish. 17/20 2028 - 2042

Dark ruby in colour. Raspberry and red cherry fruit, high acidity, soft through the mid-palate, mouthwatering finish with bitter fennel, sappy but a little austere. Last year of organic conversion. 22 hl/ha yield, 50% new oak.

The 2021 Franc Mayne, 100% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple in color. It is a tad broody to start, with notes of sautéed herbs, tar, and balsamic, plus underlying hints of stewed black plums and raspberry pie. The medium-bodied palate is lightly chewy with low acidity and a thin mid-palate, finishing abruptly.

A cool vintage, well handled to bring out the delicacy of Merlot, with measured concentration and a judicious maturation in barrels and foudres. As in 2020, there is a clear desire to get closer to the fruit’s expressiveness. Don’t hesitate to open it within ten years.

The nose is subtle at first, then comes an intense wave of stewed fruit and a hint of saddle leather. Light and fluid on the palate, quite classic, it offers a chocolatey, slightly spicy finish.

Franc Mayne reveals floral nuances, namely violet aromas complemented by notes of black berries. Precise and compact, the wine is supported by powerful, fine-grained tannins. Its structure offers excellent cellaring potential, yet the already well-ripened character of the bouquet argues for enjoying it in its youth. To be tasted regularly 😉

Beautiful dark, vibrant color. Moderately intense nose with pure, fresh fruit. Soft, fruity, flavorful palate, with slightly discreet persistence. Medium length. 100% Merlot. Alcohol level: 13.5%. Yield: 22 hl/ha.

90–92. Barrel Sample. A juicy wine with a smooth and easy texture. Blackberry flavors are likely to dominate as the wine undergoes wood aging. A light spiciness comes through at the end.