Franc Mayne 2019 (750ML)

93-94 JS / 93 DE / 92-94 JD / 91-93+ WA / 89-91 VM

A pure merlot with super fine tannins and juicy-fruit character. Long, refined and focused. Blackberry and chocolate flavors. Racy. - James Suckling

Gorgeously rich, medium to full intensity in colour with plum fruit on the attack. This has extremely well judged balance between the exuberant fruit that Franc Mayne has as its signature and a more restrained supple frame in its tannins and lift. A really enjoyable wine, one of my favourites at this property. Winemaker Sophie Mage joined in 2018 from Frederic Engerer's Rhône estate Fortboneau. Thomas Duclos new consultant also since last year. A yield of 43hl/ha. - Jane Anson, Decanter

A big, rich, sexy Saint-Emilion, the 2019 Château Franc Mayne offers loads of mulled black fruits, chocolate, and violets notes as well as full-bodied richness and depth. It has plenty of tannins, an expansive mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's certainly loaded with potential. - Jeb Dunnick

The 2019 Franc-Mayne is made from 100% Merlot harvested between September 19 and 24 at yields of 43 hectoliters per hectare. It is being aged 50% in new oak barrels and 50% in casks, amphorae and one-year-old barrels. Deep garnet-purple in color, it jumps from the glass with gregarious scents of raspberry pie, blackberry preserves and stewed plums with touches of chocolate box, camphor and crushed rocks with a waft of cumin seed. Medium to full-bodied, the palate practically quivers with energy, supported by firm, ripe, rounded tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. - Lisa Perrotti Brown, Wine Advocate

The 2019 Franc Mayne is quite rich and decadent on the nose with lavish crème de cassis, blueberry and light marmalade scents. I would like more delineation here. The palate is much better with grainy tannins, plenty of plush red fruit laced with mocha and a dab of spice towards the somewhat oaky finish. It just cuts away a bit short, though a third bottle showed more length. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media