‘As good as Saint-Emilion Grand Crus!’ Château Macquin from Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion: vintage 2020, case of 12 bottles delivered

91/100 Andreas Larsson

This Saint-George-Saint-Émilion is of a concentration and complexity more often associated with the Grand Crus of Saint-Émilion—and we are delighted to commend to Members the new vintage 2020, a highly rated, worthy successor to the sold-out 2019, 2018 and 2016 vintages, and still at a superb Members-only price and firm favourite—a cut above the rest.

It is from the highly regarded Château Macquin in Saint-George-Saint-Emilion, a family owned estate with one of the best elevations on the right bank, its south-facing vines up to 60 years old. The connoisseur Andreas Larsson, the world’s leading sommelier, awarding 91 points to this the 2020, notes, ‘Dark garnet colour. Notes of violet, rose petal, red berries and plum. Good volume with a rounded texture, silky tannin, sweet raspberry and cherry flavours with mild spices and a long unctuous finish’.

The Club Tasting Panel are delighted by this wine. The 2020 is deep ruby red in colour, showing intense aromas of ripe red fruits and spicy notes of cinnamon and pepper. The palate is full-bodied with perfectly concentrated flavours of cassis, raspberry and tobacco and a balanced, lifted acidity. Silky tannins and a long persisting finish are also characteristics of this wine. One third of the wine was aged in 25% new French oak for one year, giving structure and complexity, without being overpowering.

Château Macquin is 3 kilometres north of Saint-Émilion, in the small village of Saint-Georges, the smallest of all Bordeaux appellations (180 hectares). At its peak of 89 metres above sea level, it enjoys one of the best elevations on the right bank, giving the wines freshness and concentration. The south facing vines are planted on clay and limestone soils and range from 15 to 60 years old. The vines are sustainably farmed, without use of herbicides, fertilisers or other harmful chemicals.

Château Macquin has been in the Macquin family since 1885 and grandson Denis Corre-Macquin is now the skilled, hands-on winemaker. His grandfather was the first to re-plant vines in the St-Émilion region after the phylloxera outbreak of the late 19th century. Today the vines are on average 40 years old, and the vineyards are organically managed, Denis and his wife Christine Corre-Macquin, who own 27 hectares of vines in both Saint-Émilion and Pomerol., are involved in every vine-growing and winemaking decision to ensure the quality of their wine every vintage.

The 2020 is a blend of 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon with an ABV of 14.5%. Already drinking well, it will age beautifully and improve for up to seven years, so it’s a good move to buy several cases and cellar some for a few years. It’s inexpensive, but an extremely rewarding wine which the Tasting Panel are pleased to recommend to Members.

Case of 12 bottles. Non Members £336. CCUK £186 including UK mainland delivery.

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