Château Grand Mayne 2008

“A wine must reflect its terroir, its origins. We strongly believe that the uniqueness of the vineyard’s location is fundamental in the conception of a great wine. There can never be a great wine without a great vineyard." Jean-Antoine & Damien. Grand Mayne is situated in the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation. This Chateau embodies authenticity and classic simplicity, just like the facade of its 16th Century Chateau. Today, the estate has 17 hectares of vines, which have become the heart and soul of the operation.

Château Grand Mayne was classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé (A) in the Saint-Émilion classification of 1955. This prestigious classification recognizes the estate's exceptional quality and contribution to the reputation of Saint-Émilion wines. Despite its prestigious classification and reputation, Château Grand Mayne produces relatively limited quantities of wine each year. This exclusivity adds to the allure and desirability of its wines among collectors and enthusiasts.

Since 1934, the Nony family has presided over the Grand Mayne estate. Family ownership, originating at Jean Nony and continuing with Jean-Pierre and his wife Marie-Françoise, has resolutely graced the Château with excellence, helping to perpetuate the winemaking tradition of the estate. In addition to its family heritage and origin, Château Grand Mayne is also known for its unique terroir. Château Grand Mayne is situated on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion, which is known for its exceptional terroir and favorable viticultural conditions. The estate's vineyards benefit from a gentle slope that allows for excellent drainage and optimal sun exposure, contributing to the even ripening of the grapes. The soils of Château Grand Mayne are diverse and complex, consisting primarily of limestone with varying proportions of clay and sand. This unique soil composition imparts minerality, structure, and finesse to the wines, while also providing excellent water retention and nutrient uptake for the vines. 

The estate is also notable for its picturesque surroundings, with its 16th-century castle surrounded by more than 100,000 vines that cover the gentle southwest-facing slope. The estate's wines, made from a subtle blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, are distinguished by their fruity power, their elegant tension and their remarkable finesse. Known for their excellent aging potential, Grand Mayne wines continue to gain in accessibility while retaining their distinctive character.

"A true blockbuster from St.-Emilion, and unquestionably Grand-Mayne’s finest effort since their 2005 and 1998, the 2008 boasts an inky/purple color as well as a lovely bouquet of blueberry liqueur, roasted coffee, and a touch of sweet, smoky oak. Full-bodied with exceptional density, super-ripe tannins, an impressive texture, and a 35+ second finish, this cuvee should be drinkable at an early age (2-4 years), and last for 15 or more." - Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate (4/28/2009, Issue 194), Ratings: 92-94, Drink: 2009-2024