Château Thibeaud-Maillet
| Vigneron | David Arté |
| Location | Pomerol (Gironde) |
| Size of Domaine | 1.7 ha |
| Terroir | Atlantic climate. Alluvial terrace of sandy gravel over clay. Gentle undulations around 60m altitude. |
| Viticulture | Lutte raisonnée |
| View Château Thibeaud-Maillet wines ↓ |
Thibeaud-Maillet is a tiny 1.7ha family property (there are very few left in Pomerol) in the commune of Maillet at the north-eastern corner of the appellation on the border with St Emilion. Started by the Thibeaud family in the early 19th century, it is now in the hands of the Duroux family. Roger Duroux tended the vines until he was nearly 80yo and his daughter Geneviève, an ex-school teacher, took over in 2011.
Geneviève has continued to employ David Arté who also helped to vinify at Ch Haut-Segottes for many years. In contrast to many Pomerol where alcohol levels have gone crazy in recent years, Thibeaud-Maillet’s bottlings usually remain below 13%. This is due to good terroir and diligent work in the 50yo vineyards (clearing the young shoots, de-budding, manual pruning) which produce balanced grapes with the requisite freshness.
The wine is aged in 50% new barrels for on average 16 months and is a classic, old school example of what Pomerol has to offer, refine structure with ripe fruit and velvety texture. Although accessible in its youth, the wine blossoms after six years or so and can easily see 20 years of ageing in good vintages.
Château Thibeaud-Maillet Wines
POMEROL 2019
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc (13.5% alc.)
A tiny 1.7 ha estate, the 30-50yo vines are planted in a sandy, gravelly alluvial soil, which overlies clay. The wines from this estate have a subtle, teasing, complex fruit with a silky delivery on the palate. For drinking now to 2030+.