Every so often, a wine punches so far above its weight that it makes you do a double take. The 2015 Chateau Croix Mouton is one such wine, a rich, velvety, full-bodied Bordeaux Supérieur from the master of value-driven Right Bank reds, Jean-Philippe Janoueix. And in magnum format, it's not just delicious, it’s also festive.
Crafted predominantly from Merlot grown just across the Dordogne from Fronsac and Saint-Émilion, Croix Mouton has long been known as one of the great value gems of Bordeaux. The 2015 vintage shows why: ripe, layered, and seamless, it drinks like a wine three times the price and in magnum, it’s even more of a showstopper.
Château Croix Mouton has a long legacy in the Janoueix family, with Jean-Philippe Janoueix taking the reins in the late 1990s. Known for his hands-on, quality-obsessed approach, Janoueix transformed Croix Mouton into a benchmark for what ambitious winemaking can achieve in so-called “humble” terroirs. The estate is located in Lugon, on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, just a short drive from Fronsac and Saint-Émilion. The vineyard’s gravel and clay soils are ideally suited to Merlot, but Janoueix’s secret weapon has been his strategic use of other grapes to deepen complexity.
The 2015 blend is approximately 87% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot—a combination that brings structure, depth, and a touch of spice to Merlot’s lush fruit core.
Cabernet Sauvignon adds backbone and aging potential, with hints of cassis, cedar, and dark tobacco.
Petit Verdot, used sparingly, contributes color, aromatics, and a subtle lift of floral and savory notes that elevate the finish.
The result is a Bordeaux Supérieur that offers the approachability of a wine with the finesse and complexity more commonly found in top appellations. | | | In the glass, the 2015 Croix Mouton reveals a deep garnet hue with vibrant reflections. Aromatically, it bursts with ripe black cherries, plum compote, and hints of toasted spice, cocoa, and crushed violets. The palate is supple and smooth, with rounded tannins and a core of rich, sweet fruit. Cabernet’s influence is felt in the wine’s linear drive and structure, while Petit Verdot brings lift and intrigue. Notes of graphite and mocha lend depth, while a subtle freshness keeps everything lifted. From start to finish, it’s balanced, charming, and impressively persistent.
This is a wine that drinks like a mini-Pomerol. Whether you're pairing it with a meal or just enjoying it by the glass, it's hard not to be impressed at what’s in the bottle for the price.
James Suckling writes: "A fruity and juicy red with currant, cherry and plum character and a hint of cedar and rust. Full to medium body, ripe tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold."
Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider writes: If there is a better value in Bordeaux wine today, buy it! I’ve looked and it is going to be hard to find. In 2015, you find better levels of fruit, sweetness and softer textures than before. The fruits are clean, ripe and fresh with a forward character.
Magnums aren’t just about size, they are also cool and pour more generously, turning an ordinary dinner into a celebration! The 2015 Croix Mouton in magnum is drinking at a beautiful point in its evolution, with enough structure to hold for another 5+ years. But let’s be honest, at $29.98 for a magnum, why wait?
This is hands-down one of the best Bordeaux buys of the year. Whether you’re stocking up for a party or just want a top-quality Bordeaux to enjoy mid-week without guilt, the 2015 Croix Mouton delivers…only 25 available. | |
|
|
