Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
Consistently good wines are produced here at this Irish-owned château. The prices remain modest despite the quality and the wines are always typically Graves in style. Strong efforts are being made here by wine-maker Stephen Carrier - who has added a cellar master previously from Pape Clement and has recently changed his consultant from Hubert de Bouard to Thomas Duclos of Château Canon fame. The 60 hectares of vines are planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot. Barrel ageing for 14-18 months in 65% new oak.
Darragh Quinn told us that they now pick a little earlier than before here with more gentle extraction. The wine is fresher than in previous vintages with a cool 13.2 degrees of alcohol. Made from 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot in 2022.
The cumulative rainfall at Château Fieuzal was only 385 millimeters in 2022, compared to 753 millimeters in 2021 and 743 millimeters in 2020. But this did not prevent Stephen Carrier and his team from making a fresh and energetic 2022 de Fieuzal, bursting with aromas of violet, iris, menthol and crunchy wild berries mingled with hints of coniferous forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, it's pristinely balanced and beautifully layered, exhibiting a vibrant palate that's deep, tensile and elegant, concluding with a mouthwateringly mineral finish. This estate is achieving things no one would have thought possible a decade ago.
The peppery fruit to the nose here is masked by a little stubborn reduction. The palate has pith and grip, more of that hedgerow, herbal and pepper fruit. There is good energy and depth on the palate together with pithy, persistent tannins. Fine, long finish.
A crunchy and energetic wine from here this year with black berry, black cherry and crushed stone character. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a fine tannin background.
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Property owned by the Quinn family, originally from Ireland. Vat room entirely renovated in 2011. Cask sample.
Bright blueish crimson, not that deep. Sweet, fresh nose. Lively and very transparent even if without the depth and richness of some 2022s. Flirtatious even. Slightly drying finish but with some confident fruit tucked in there for the future. Refreshing wine! 13.5%
Drink 2027– 2040