Chateâu Maillet Pomerol

Château Maillet 2018 is a Pomerol red from Bordeaux's Right Bank, made from 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard lies about half a mile from Château Petrus, on clay and sandy gravel. Low yields, old vines and fermentation in new barrels give a rich, structured Merlot built for the cellar, with only 6,000 to 7,000 bottles made. Open it with roast lamb or duck. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

The Moze-Berthon family has owned vineyards since 1820 and is now led by Patrick Moze-Berthon and his elder son Mickael, the seventh generation. Since the 2014 vintage they have worked with consultant Hubert de Boüard de Laforest, co-owner of Château Angélus, renovating the Pomerol cellar and creating this cuvée.

The vineyards

About 1.5 hectares of clay and sandy gravel, planted with 40-year-old vines: 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. A green harvest, hand picking and small yields keep the fruit concentrated.

How it's made

The wine is vinified entirely in new barrels. Production is 6,000 to 7,000 bottles.

How to serve it

Serve at 16 to 18°C with roast lamb, beef, duck or mushroom dishes.