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

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Merlot 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 "Yes, owner Christian Moueix owns famed Chateau Pétrus. But this is the first time this Merlot has made my hit list (favourite Vintages "Essentials"). Candied black cherry, cedar and plum aromas herald flavours of jammy strawberry, licorice and cherry. Solid value. Food suggestion: French-cut veal chops." 89+ points, Gordon Stimmell, Toronto Star, May 16, 2009

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Saint-Emilion 2008 "Christian Moueix" This wine offers a great opportunity to discover the differences a regional appellation can make when it comes to enjoying Bordeaux. 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.

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Château Capet-Guillier 2006 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 good year such as 2006, produced wonderful fruit. The second wine of this property is Tour de Capet.

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Château Mazeris 2003 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

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