The 2020 Franc-Mayne Bordeaux Blend from Saint-Émilion showcases a noteworthy vintage for this estate. With a rich composition of 100% Merlot, the wine has garnered several excellent reviews, highlighting its refined elegance and vibrant character.
Antonio Galloni of Vinous awarded it an impressive 96 points, describing it as "dense, resonant, and beautifully explosive in the glass," with "sumptuous dark red/purplish fruit" and a balance of energy and tension. This review stands out as particularly enthusiastic, noting the wine’s dynamic nature.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a score of 94, commending its "elegant, fresh, vibrant and refined" profile. He further remarked on its "ample minerality" and long-lasting finish, suggesting that this may be "the finest vintage of Franc Mayne ever produced."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, through William Kelley, also rated it 94, appreciating its "real class and purity" with "vibrant fruit, powdery tannins and a long, perfumed finish." Kelley noted that the wine represents an estate on the rise.
Several reviewers, including Jeb Dunnuck and Decanter, scored the wine 93 points. Dunnuck highlighted its "silky, elegant, already irresistible package," while Decanter praised its "juicy and lively" palate with "a burst of strawberry, raspberry and red cherry fruit."
James Suckling and Wine Spectator both awarded it 91 points. Suckling noted its "vivid finish" and "juicy red fruit character," whereas Wine Spectator mentioned its "streamlined finish" with "violet and cassis" notes.
Produced by Franc-Mayne, this wine is described as medium to full-bodied, with a 14.5% alcohol content. It is recommended for consumption from 2024 to 2045, offering a long window for enthusiasts to enjoy its evolving complexity.