The 2022 Maucaillou is a Cabernet-driven blend with 42% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. Its bouquet exhibits aromas of spices, licorice, cherry and blueberry with hints of toasty oak. On the palate, this fruit-driven wine is medium to full-bodied, fleshy and velvety with a slightly austere finish.

Along with Poujeaux and Chasse Spleen, this estate is one of the largest landholders in Moulis's best terroirs, and now changes are afoot at this longtime underachiever, which has hired Lynch Bages's former winemaker and is extending élevage from 10 to 16 months. The 2021 Maucaillou is a solid effort, exhibiting notions of sweet berries, forest floor, cigar wrapper and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and nicely concentrated palate underpinned by lively acids. Given developments at this address, future vintages may be wines to watch.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Maucaillou opens with notes of Bing cherries, ripe raspberries and boysenberries with suggestions of dried Mediterranean herbs, wild mushrooms and dusty soil. The medium-bodied palate has plenty of red fruit and herbal sparks on offer with a chewy texture and crisp backbone, finishing a little firm and green.