2024 Vieux Maillet

Fresh acidities, redcurrant, raspberry leaf and cherry pit as it opens and softens through the palate, touch of grilled oak and liqourice to add in some Pomerol character. Frederic Stévenin, owner of Ch St Pey and Ch Lussac.

The 2024 Vieux Maillet is quite floral and lifted. Rose petal, lavender, mint, blue/purplish fruit and gravel are nicely delineated in this stylish, mid-weight Pomerol. All the elements come together in the glass. The finish is just a touch compact, but otherwise Vieux Maillet is nicely balanced. It will be interesting to see how this comes together. Élevage is one-third new oak, one-third once-used barrels and one-third amphora, still to be blended into the final wine. My impression is that amphora restricts the wine in a vintage with modest structure, but we shall see.

The 2024 Vieux Maillet has a light bouquet with blackberry and wild hedgerow scents. It just needs a bit more concentration. The palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins, cohesive with red cherry and orange rind notes. Though quite linear on the finish, this actually conveys a sense of energy and feels composed all the way through. Better than I expected.