Chateau Mauvesin Barton Haut Medoc, Moulis, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Mauvesin Barton Haut Medoc, Moulis with wine tasting notes, and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Mauvesin Barton History, Overview

While the creation of Chateau Mauvesin Barton is a recent event, the chateau, and vineyard date back several hundred years. In fact, Chateau Mauvesin Barton was created in 1457. The chateau on the property, which is now used as the residence for Lilian Barton and her family was built in 1853.

For most of its life, the property produced wine that was sold as Chateau Mauvesin. But when the estate was purchased in 2011 from the Baritault de Carpia family by the Barton family, things changed for the better.

The Baritault de Capria family is related to the Capbern Gasqueton family that recently sold Chateau Calon Segur in the St. Estephe appellation. The Barton family owns two famous St. Julien estates; Chateau Leoville Barton and Chateau Langoa Barton. They altered the name of the chateau and winery from Chateau Mauvesin to Chateau Mauvesin Barton to reflect the change in ownership and their commitment to quality.

At first, Lilian Barton was not going to add her family name to the historic chateau, but when she discovered that Chateau Mauvesin was already a trademarked name in China, she changed the name of the estate to Chateau Mauvesin Barton. Melanie Barton Sartorius, and Damian Barton Sartorius, the daughter, and son of Lilian Barton continues to expand their roles at the estate.

It is interesting to note that prior to the sale to the Barton family, the property was in the hands of the Baritault de Carpia family for several hundred years.

Once the purchase was finalized, the new owners, Lilian Barton and her husband Michel Sartorius began a serious restoration and renovation of the entire estate, including the chateau, wine-making facilities, cellars, and replanting of portions of the vineyard.

At the time of the purchase, the vine density was quite low, with many rows of vines missing. Plus much of the remaining rootstock was high yielding, all of which needed extensive replantings. The cellars of Chateau Mauvesin Barton were also modernized. The wines are now vinified in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks.

Chateau Mauvesin Barton Vineyard, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 48 hectare Left Bank vineyard of Chateau Mauvesin Barton is planted to 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Chateau Mauvesin Barton is located in Moulis, which is in the Haut Medoc appellation.

Chateau Mauvesin Barton is situated not far from Chasse Spleen. The terroir is gravel with clay, sand, and limestone soils. Of those 48 hectares, 40 hectares are planted with vines. The remaining 8 hectares are used for a park-like surrounding with lakes and mature trees. The vines are old, with an average age of close to 35 years.

The wine of Chateau Mauvesin Barton is vinified in 24, stainless steel, temperature-controlled tanks that range in size from 125 hectoliters to 200 hectoliters. The wine is aged in 33% new, French oak barrels for 12 months.

The used barrels come from Chateau Leoville Barton. There is a second wine, L’Impression de Mauvesin Barton. On average, the entire production of Chateau Mauvesin Barton is 20,000 cases of wine per year.

The chateau also produces wine from 9 hectares of vines in the Haut Medoc appellation which is sold as a negociant wine under the name of Haut Medoc by Ginestet.

The best vintages of Chateau Mauvesin are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2012.

When to Drink Chateau Mauvesin Barton, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Mauvesin Barton needs a but of time before it can be enjoyed. Young vintages can be decanted for 1 hour. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. The wine will also gently warm in the glass, releasing its aromatics.

Older vintages might also need decanting, for both aerating and removing the sediment. However, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character.

Chateau Mauvesin Barton is usually better with at least 2-4 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage style and character. Chateau Mauvesin Barton offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 3-10 years of age after the vintage.

Serving and Decanting Chateau Mauvesin Barton with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Mauvesin Barton is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine of Chateau Mauvesin Barton is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Mauvesin Barton is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

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