Chateau Franc-Maillet (By Thunevin)

Pomerol on Bordeaux's right bank exalts the much-abused Merlot grape. Home to Château Pétrus, Pomerol nevertheless maintains a certain democracy: the appellation has no classed growth system like St. Emilion; instead, the market decides. Estates tend to be small, even the most successful ones. Few viticultural areas have the range of soils of Pomerol: sand, gravel, clay, and so on, in several combinations.

Chateau Franc-Maillet is located at the extreme eastern end of Pomerol. Production is very small, and the wine is very convincing for the price. The St. Jean Baptiste cuvee has been awarded by several highly respected critics, and is 90% old-vine Merlot and 10% Cab Franc.