2010 Bordeaux – Pierre Taix’s ‘La Mauriane’

by Charles Lea

Today we have the release of what might be considered Lea & Sandeman’s right bank ‘pair’ to Stephane Dief’s ‘Clos Manou’ (released last week). Produced from a tiny parcel of an exceptional terroir, and much like Clos Manou, La Mauriane is managed exactly like a top cru classé, with care in the vineyards and yields to match. La Mauriane is wine we have followed since the 2001, which has remained a favourite, and which has probably made its best wine ever in 2010.
Pierre Taix, who brings so much intelligence to his wine-making, has kept this racy and lifted in a vintage when so much Saint Emilion is over-rich. His ‘La Mauriane’ comes strongly recommended if you are looking for Cru Classé level drinking at a very modest price.

‘Very attractive lift and freshness. Racy and readable and a very nice take on this vintage’ 16.5 – Jancis Robinson

‘The best I have known for the estate. Thank-you Monsieur Taix for this terrific wine.’ 16.5 – 16.75 Jean-Marc Quarin