2018 Chateau Roques Mauriac Bordeaux Superieur 750ml

The Château Roques Mauriac Bordeaux Supérieur is a standout example from the Right Bank of Bordeaux, originating in the Entre-Deux-Mers region. The 'Supérieur' designation indicates that the wine adheres to stricter rules than a standard Bordeaux AOC, typically involving lower yields and higher minimum alcohol, resulting in a wine with greater concentration and aging potential. The 2018 vintage, widely lauded as excellent, offers a rich, structured, and age-worthy expression of the classic Merlot-dominant blend. Grape Varietal A traditional Right Bank Bordeaux Blend, typically dominated by Merlot, with a significant proportion of Cabernet Franc. Merlot (Provides body, plump dark fruit, and softness) Cabernet Franc (Adds structure, aromatic complexity, and a signature savory/herbal lift) Cabernet Sauvignon (Used to provide additional structure, tannin, and blackcurrant notes) Region Bordeaux Supérieur AOC, Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France. Style A dry, medium-to-full-bodied red wine. Due to the excellent 2018 vintage, this wine is richer and more concentrated than a typical Bordeaux Supérieur, displaying a modern, polished structure with concentrated fruit and firm, age-worthy tannins. Color Deep ruby-garnet, often with an opaque core, indicating concentration and youth. Aroma The nose is complex and expressive, reflecting the blend of ripe fruit and French oak aging: Black and Red Fruit (Blackberry, ripe Plum, Cassis, Wild Strawberry, Raspberry) Savory/Earthy Notes (Oyster shell, Herbs, Mint, Chalk) Oak/Spice Notes (Espresso, Mocha, Vanilla, Sweet Spices) Flavor The palate is full-bodied and well-structured, delivering intense, dark fruit flavors balanced by noticeable structure. Core Flavors: Concentrated blackcurrant, juicy blueberry, and dark plum. Texture: Structured, with firm and tight, fine-grained tannins that resolve into a creamy texture. Finish: Long, tannic, and fresh, suggesting cellar potential. It requires time or decanting to soften the structure. Food Pairing The wine’s firm structure and intensity pair beautifully with rich, hearty dishes. Roasted or Grilled Red Meats (Sirloin Steak, Beef Filet, Roast Lamb or Lamb Chops) Game Meats (Venison or Deer Stew) Mushroom-based dishes (Beef with wild mushrooms) Hard Cheeses (Aged Cheddar, Appenzeller) Overall The 2018 Château Roques Mauriac is an excellent representation of a powerful vintage in an approachable appellation. It offers complexity and structure far beyond its price point. While enjoyable after decanting in its youth, its tight tannins and concentrated fruit suggest it will benefit significantly from cellaring, with a drinking window extending to 2025 or beyond.