Château Grand Mayne 2020

“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.

"I loved the 2020 Château Grand Mayne. This medium to full-bodied, concentrated, incredibly satisfying Saint-Emilion offers up ample mulled red and black fruits, some loamy earth, iron, and dried flower nuances, ripe tannins, and plenty of mid-palate depth. I still think the 2015 is the top vintage, but this is clearly in the same league as the 2015, 2018, and 2019, and it's going to drink brilliantly over the coming 15-20 years." - Jeb Dunnuck, 2020 Bordeaux from Bottle, (03/30/2023), Ratings: 94

"The 2020 Grand Mayne has a very enticing, pure bouquet that unfolds wonderfully in the glass, with ebullient raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, orange pith and subtle tobacco scents. Well-defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with an impressive backbone. There's a soupçon of creaminess in the second half with a precise, lightly spiced and persistent finish that leaves you wanting more. There's no excuse not to have a few bottles tucked away in your cellar." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (02/15/2023), Ratings: 94

"Opaque purple-black in color, the 2020 Grand Mayne slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal gorgeous notions of ripe black plums, dark chocolate-covered cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of licorice, cracked black pepper and unsmoked cigars with a touch of tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of rich black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and beautifully perfumed." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate, (05/20/2021), Ratings: 93-95, Drink: 2025-2049

"Damson, vibrant black cherry, cassis puree, cocoa bean and liqourice. This is concentrated, with shoulders to the tannins, and an appealing purity of fruit delivery. 15ha, Michel Rolland consltant, owned by Jean-Antoine Nony, now joined by his brother Damien. 41hl/ha yield, 50% new oak for ageing." - Jane Anson, Best Pomerol 2020 Wines Tasted En Primeur, (12/01/2022), Ratings: 93, Drink: 2024-2038