Wines Moulis-en-Médoc Château Maucaillou - 2017

Viniou Reviews

Château Maucaillou 2017 from the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation is a classic representation of Bordeaux’s left bank reds. The 2017 vintage, although marked by some climatic challenges, nevertheless produced wines of great elegance and finesse. The typical blend here is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with a smaller proportion of Petit Verdot, combining to create a wine with structured tannins, fresh red and black fruit aromas, and a subtle underpinning of spice and cedar from oak maturation. Moulis-en-Médoc’s gravelly soils lend a poised minerality and an accentuated sense of freshness, while careful vinification aims to capture both the youthful fruit and the aging potential characteristic of the estate.

The region of Moulis-en-Médoc holds a distinguished reputation within the Médoc, nestled between Margaux and Saint-Julien. Its location benefits from the temperate maritime climate of Bordeaux, with relatively mild winters, cool springs, and warm, sun-drenched summers. The gravel and clay-limestone soils of this subregion provide excellent drainage and help stress the vines appropriately, encouraging deep root growth and complexity in the resulting wines. Historically, Moulis-en-Médoc estates such as Château Maucaillou have been renowned for producing reds that marry strength and elegance, offering equilibrium between fruit, tannin, and acidity, and holding an important place in the tradition of Bordeaux blends.

For food pairings, this Château Maucaillou 2017 would shine alongside classic French dishes such as entrecôte bordelaise, duck breast with red wine sauce, or a richly flavoured mushroom and truffle risotto. To honour the Bordeaux tradition, local lamb, such as a slow-roasted rack with herbs, would be particularly harmonious. Hard cheeses like Comté or mature cheddar also complement the structure of the wine.

When serving, decanting for an hour is recommended to awaken its aromatic complexity. The ideal serving temperature is between 16-18°C, allowing both fruit and secondary notes to fully express themselves. This vintage can be enjoyed now for its youthful vibrancy or cellared for a further 5 to 8 years to develop more nuanced tertiary characteristics.