Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix

Bordeaux

Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, founded in 1937, is internationally known for its expertise in the wines of Pomerol and Saint-Emilion. Their offices are situated on the bank of the Dordogne as it flows through the city of Libourne. Owner of ten châteaux, including the incomparable Château Pétrus, the firm also contributes to the excellent reputation of numerous other châteaux through management and consultation.

The early profits were invested in wine producing properties, beginning, in 1952 with the purchase of Château Magdelaine, a Premier Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Emilion. Later acquisitions include Châteaux La Fleur Pétrus and Trotanoy in Pomerol, to mention only the most famous.

By the 1960s, Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix had become one of the largest houses of Bordeaux. The pursuit of growth necessitated the purchase of larger and larger facilities. Thus, the old central cellars, which have always been the place where visitors and clients are received, were expanded by purchasing a number of neighbouring cellars. Their surface area now exceeds 25,000 square meters.

As was the case for all the great houses of Bordeaux, Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix suffered greatly from the 1972 crisis, but the individual efforts of each employee and the careful conservatism of management allowed the company to regain its balance and resume growth. Successful growth arose from focusing on the wines of Bordeaux's right bank, and by conducting its affairs solely at the production and wholesale level of the industry.

Since the company founder, Jean Pierre Moueix, passed away in March 2003, control of the firm has been assumed by his son Christian Moueix. Laurent Navarre, who joined the company in 1986 as Export Manager, became the Managing Director. Christian Moueix also owns the Dominus Estate in the Napa Valley of California.

Christian Moueix has been named "2008 Man of the Year" by Decanter Magazine.
April 2008 Edition
Moueix MerlotMerlot 2005 'Christian Moueix'
The name Moueix has for the better part of this century been the most authoritative presence in Pomerol and Saint-Emilion, appellations where the Merlot vine is dominant. Christian Moueix Merlot is the first varietal wine to bear the name of the dynamic man behind the recent brilliance of Etablissements Jean-Pierre Moueix.

Christian Moueix has created this uniquely personal cuvée through a selection of wines from numerous small growers in the Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Francs and Côtes de Bourg appellations. The beautiful Côtes de Castillon, directly to the east of Saint-Emilion, covers 6,600 acres, principally of clay hillsides surrounding a chalky plateau which are the prolongation of Saint-Emilion, and thus very similar to it. The Côtes de Francs, a tiny, 1,375-acre area east of Pomerol, is on the Gironde's highest, and driest, elevation, and is characterized by clay and limestone soils with some marl and chalk. The Côtes de Bourg, across the river just opposite Margaux, is much larger, with 9,125 acres under vine; the soils are also extremely varied, but tend to consistently show a topsoil of chalk and clay, with subsoils ranging from marine fossils to sandy loam, and certain areas rich in iron pyrite as in Pomerol. The common factor in these three areas is the predominance of the Merlot variety. In the Côtes de Castillon, it acquires elegance, finesse and longevity; in the Côtes de Francs, structure and fruitiness; and in the Côtes de Bourg, is selected for aroma, body and richness. Blended to evoke each of these aspects of the Merlot's personality in a very Bordelaise style, the wine spends, depending on the vintage, approximately six months in old oak casks to enhance structure and harmony. Christian Moueix Merlot brings the complete expression of this grape a step nearer to perfection. It is now a Vintages continuous listing.

"A young, very fruity wine produced by Christian Moueix. It is structured, firm and juicy, layered with dry tannins, probably needing 6-12 months of aging. A touch of pepper, red currants, toast and acidity complete this good, very Bordeaux, wine."
84 points, Wine Enthusiast, Nov 2007
Moueix St. EmilionSaint-Emilion 2005 "Christian Moueix" 750 mL
This wine offers a great opportunity to discover the differences a regional appellation can make when it comes to enjoying Bordeaux from a classic vintage. As with the Moueix Merlot, it is made under the guidance of Christian Moueix. Composed primarily of Merlot, grown within the Saint-Emilion appellation. The region's unique soil structure and microclimate express themselves in the finished wine by adding aromatic complexity and finesse. Vibrant ruby colour, aromatic oak and fruitcake bouquet. Layers of rich, plump, luscious fruit. A most satisfyingly smooth expression of the Merlot grape. Decant for an hour before serving.

The 2003 vintage is also available in 1500ml bottles.

"This is young, dominated by some spicy wood and quite densely textured fruit and tannin. Impressive for a branded wine, all vibrant fruit, balanced by firm dry structure, and with a rich aftertaste. Age this for at least 1 year."
87 points, Wine Enthusiast, Nov 2007
Pomerol 2005 "Christian Moueix"
The tiny right bank commune of Pomerol is renowned for its clay soils, minute production and opulent Merlot-based wines with stratospheric prices. This wine demonstrates Pomerol's unique style and terroir but at a very affordable price. Elegant and smooth with plenty of plum, berry and spice notes, this medium to full-bodied wine will complement roast lamb shoulder or prime rib of beef.

"Given that 2005 may be the best Bordeaux vintage of the century, and that this offering may be one of the best deals ever coming from that region, this is definitely a 'not to be missed' opportunity"
Zachys.com, April 2008
Moueix MerlotChâteau de L'Annonciation 2002 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
This small property (only 5 Ha under vine) lies just north of the medieval city of St. Emilion. The blend is typically 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and the wine is matured in 25% new French oak, 50% one to two year old French oak and the balance from stainless steel to preserve the aromas of the lush, young fruit. Maturation time is vintage dependent but is at least 12 months and the wine is only released 2 years after harvest.

An intense ruby hue leads to a bouquet of red fruits with a welcome toasty oak edge. In the mouth, the fruit dominates through to the long finish. The wine is finely balanced between wood and wine and the supple tannins ensure a long life ahead. Château de l'Annonciation is the perfect accompaniment to fine meats like game and a number of cheeses.
Château Capet-Guillier 2005 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru
This beautiful property in St. Hippolyte was in the care of the Capet and Guillier families for over 200 years, now it is owned by the Société Château Capet-Guillier. The wine is a rich and robust, old-fashioned style of Saint-Emilion, composed in most years of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vines on this sixteen hectare property average thirty years of age and are planted in argilo-limestone and clay-sand. Sixty percent of the vineyard is planted to Merlot, thirty-five percent is Cabernet Franc (Bouchet) and five percent Cabernet Sauvignon. The particle size and cooling properties of these soils provide good water retention and mineral uptake capabilities to the vines and in a classic year such as 2005, produced outstanding fruit. The second wine of this property is Tour de Capet.
MazerisChâteau Mazeris 2001 Canon Fronsac
Situated in the community of Saint Michel de Fronsac, this property has 17 hectares (25 acres) planted with vines, 75% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc. Since 1769, this family estate has been run by the de Cournuaud family. The production of this wine is quite small, approximately 5,000 cases annually, and a second wine is not made. The lesser quality wine is declassified or sold off in bulk.

Château Mazeris has earned a reputation in Bordeaux as an exceptional value, expressed here by Robert Parker:
"Produced from very old vines, it has an uncanny resemblance to the great Pomerol, Lafleur, at about one-seventh the price. Dense in colour with an intense blackcurrant, plummy bouquet, great concentration, full body, and plenty of tannins, this is an amazing wine to drink over the next 10-15 years. Join me in line for it!"
The Wine Advocate
HosannaChâteau Hosanna 2003 Pomerol
"Dense ruby/purple-coloured with a spicy, sweet nose of jammy cherries, mocha, and a hint of resin, the plump, fleshy 2003 Hosanna reveals light to moderate tannin. It is an impressively constituted blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. This stylish effort is exceptionally successful in such a challenging vintage for Pomerol. Give it 1-3 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 14+ years."
90 points, Robert Parker, April 2006
ConseillanteChâteau La Conseillante 1999 Pomerol
"The dark ruby-coloured 1999 is a beautifully complex, evolved, seductive style of La Conseillante. The wine exhibits sweet black raspberry and cherry liqueur notes intermixed with cedar, toasty oak, licorice, new saddle leather, and dried herbs. It is medium-bodied with no hard edges, extremely pure, and almost sweet (from ripe fruit, not sugar). This is a lush, delicious La Conseillante that merits its reputation as "a Burgundy from Bordeaux." Anticipated maturity: now-2012."
89 points, Robert Parker, April 2002
Château Certan de May 2004 Pomerol
"Tannic, rough-hewn, and backward, but also dense and promising, this dark plum/purple-tinged 2004 offers notes of forest floor, roasted herbs, asphalt, sweet black cherries, and minerals. The complex aromatics are followed by a medium-bodied, tannic, muscular Pomerol that requires 3-4 years of bottle age. It should drink well for 15+ years."
89 points, Robert Parker, June 2007
Château La Fleur-Pétrus 2004 Pomerol
"Very attractive chocolate, black olive, berries and even tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins, a refined texture and a long, caressing finish. All here. Best after 2012. 3,500 cases made."
92 points, Wine Spectator, March 2007
Château Lafleur 2004 Pomerol
"Sadly, there are only 1,000 cases of the brilliant 2004 Lafleur (because of the strict selection implemented by proprietor Jacques Guinaudeau and his son, Baptiste). A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, the 2004 presently possesses a certain austerity, along with fabulous concentration, and intense kirsch liqueur, licorice, truffle, and spice characteristics. Stunningly proportioned, medium to full-bodied, and powerful, it comes across like a modern day version of Lafleur's brilliant 1979. The aromatics can fill a room, but the tannins kick in in the mouth. Give this Pomerol 5-8 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 25+."
94 points, Robert Parker, June 2007
Château Pensées de Lafleur 2004 Pomerol
This is the "second" wine of Château Lafleur.
"(Barrel sample) Silky and fruity, with berry, plum and mineral character. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, caressing finish. Well done for the second wine of Lafleur. "
89-91 points, Wine Spectator, June 2005
Château Magdelaine 2004 Saint-Emilion
"Bright and perfumed aromas of plum, lilac and toast. Full-bodied, with layers of ultrafine tannins and a long, caressing finish. Cashmere. Beautiful. Best after 2012. 2,000 cases made."
91 points, Wine Spectator, March 2007
Château Trotanoy 2004 Pomerol
"Aromas of crushed fruit and flowers, with hints of vanilla. Full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe fruit, ultrafine tannins and light toasty oak. Best after 2012. 2,000 cases made."
92 points, Wine Spectator, March 2007


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