| 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 vineyard is planted with 30 hecatres each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and 6 of Petit Verdot. There is no more Cabernet Franc. 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 - with the aim of making a fresher wine than under the previous consultancy.
Made from 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot in 2023. 35% new oak. 13.5 degrees.
The 2023 Fieuzal reveals a bright, perfumed bouquet of mulberries and cherries mingled with floral accents of violets, lilac and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, it’s pure and seamless, with a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and powdery, ultra-refined tannins, concluding with a mineral, penetrating finish. This blend of 50% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot stands out in this challenging vintage for gravelly, sandy terroirs. Under the adept guidance of Stephen Carrier, the estate—positioned on the border of the Pessac-Léognan appellation—has hit new heights in recent years.
Bright ruby in colour, with a fresh juicy nose of red plum, gravel and green fig. This has an airy, lifted nose full of fruit blossom, with a gravelly, savoury undertone. The palate is chalky, with lightly sandy tannins propping up midweight red fruit, accented with notes of rose and cherry blossom. This is a wine formed around vivacity, with real crunchiness that makes for an appetising, moreish style. A bright, juicy and approachable style.
Very impressive freshness and focus here. Bright and succulent, al-dente fruit right upfront and continuing through the whole length of the wine. Notes of forest floor, sea shell and iodine. Medium body. It has bright acidity that adds tension and a lot of energy. Fine tannins, already beautifully integrated.
Vibrant plum in colour, with juice, density and grip, another sign of how they are evolving the structure and architecture of this wine, giving it nuance without sacrificing the complexity. Cocoa bean, sweet berry, fruits, this is delicious.
