Château Mazetier - Cuvée Tradition 2016

Château Mazetier is a very small, family-owned vineyard on the right bank of the Garonne River in Bordeaux. What began as an 8-hectares venture back in the 1930's by winemaker Joseph Pallaruelo is headed today by his grandson, Pascal Pallaruelo. It has grown into a 20-hectares estate that produces some of the most elegant and best value red wines on the market. The thing that I love about finding these little known, out of the way family vineyards is that in over 80 years of working their fields and tending to their vines, the Pallaruelos stay true to what was taught to them from generation to generation. Although they may alter their methods slightly as viticultural innovations arise, they make their wine with the same passion that they learned from their ancestors. It is this that creates the most beautiful tradition.

Château Mazetier's Cuvée Tradition is a medium to full-bodied, luscious blend of predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of both Cabernet Franc and Malbec. With the first pour, the wine is visually striking, with a dark ruby body and a scarlet rim. On the nose it is lightly aromatic with fresh red fruit (think wild cherry and ripe raspberry) rising from the glass, mixed with notes of cassis and spice. On the palate, more of a dark cherry and silky lavender fill the mouth with a light mineral presence and a soft, elegant finish. It is a no-brainer for me to send an email about this amazing wine, as I bring it to dinner parties and drink it at home on a regular basis. This wine will be your new, everyday, easy-drinking Bordeaux. The wine is gorgeous!