MAUCAILLOU” means “mauvais cailloux”, the French for bad stone, as the term was understood by the farmers of the middle ages, given that this type of gravel plot was not suitable for growing cereal, the main source of livelihood at the time. It was later discovered that such gravel outcrops constituted an ideal terroir for highly expressive vineyards. Such were the beginnings of MAUCAILLOU, an exceptionally talented vineyard, given that since 1889 its wines have constantly been in the limelight throughout the world, during contests and “blind tastings” among professionals. The philosophy of Chateau MAUCAILLOU can be summed up in this maxim:“A Grand Cru Classé, I cannot be A Cru Bourgeois, I deign not be, Chateau MAUCAILLOU, I am.” Philippe Dourthe.Some faultfinders have considered, incorrectly, that the maxim is a mere plagiarism of that expressed by the late Philippe de Rothschild for his Chateau Mouton Rothschild, prior to the reclassification of the latter in 1972 from second to first place in the hierarchy of the Médoc Grands Crus Classés.“A Grand Cru Classé, I cannot be“: Chateau MAUCAILLOU can never be included in the 1855 classification of Médoc Grands Crus for the simple reason that the classification has never been modified since its creation and that Chateau MAUCAILLOU was created in 1875 only. The Association of Great Classified Growths (Grands Crus) has never accepted a new member in the official classification of 1855. This is really a pity for Chateau MAUCAILLOU, given that many wine writers have regularly equated it with an 1855 Médoc Grand Cru Classé (see the “read in the press” section).“A Cru Bourgeois, I deign not be“: Chateau MAUCAILLOU was officially classified as a “Cru Bourgeois” in 1932. Always anxious to be part of a serious classification, untainted by any bias, Chateau MAUCAILLOU abandoned the Cru Bourgeois Classification of 2003, that was, in fact, officially cancelled subsequently.“Chateau MAUCAILLOU, I am“, because Chateau MAUCAILLOU remains and must always live on as an exceptional growth appreciated the world over. Perhaps, when all is said and done, it does not need to appear in a new intermediary classification to ensure its reputation and promotion.« Maucaillou’s 2012 Moulis is a strong effort in the vintage. Deep ruby/purple, with notes of cassis and other black fruits, it is medium-bodied, with good, soft, ripe tannins and a lush finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. A sleeper of the vintage. » (Wine Advocate – Robert Parker)