From: Bordeaux, France
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Taste: The 2014 Chateau de Fieuzal Rouge expresses the estate's dedication to precision and balance. Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, this vintage weaves together the distinctive characteristics of each varietal to create a harmonious and complex wine.
Critics noted its intriguing evolution and unique flavor profile. Neal Martin of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate acknowledged its potential, suggesting that the wine may reveal more as it matures in the bottle. The palate is described as medium-bodied, with supple tannins and well-balanced acidity. The cedar-tinged finish adds a touch of elegance and leaves a lasting impression.
Antonio Galloni of vinous.com awarded the wine 91 points, praising its bold and racy nature. The flavors of sweet red cherry, iron, smoke, and tobacco create a distinctive sensory experience. Over the past 18 months, the tannins have softened, allowing the fruit to shine with succulence and creaminess. “The 2014 vintage of Chateau de Fieuzal is a sleeper hit of the year, showcasing its expressive qualities.”
Taste: To fully appreciate the nuances of Chateau de Fieuzal, it is recommended to serve the wine at a cool temperature of 15.5 degrees Celsius or 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This cooler temperature enhances the wine's freshness and elevates its characteristics.
The versatility of Chateau de Fieuzal's red wine makes it an ideal companion for an array of dishes. Classic meat options such as veal, pork, beef, lamb, and game beautifully complement the wine's complex profile. Asian cuisine, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushroom-based dishes, and pasta also find harmony with the wine's flavors. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, offering a delightful sensory experience.
Pressure Cooker Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
By Sarah DiGregorio
About: In the world of Bordeaux wines, the 2014 Chateau de Fieuzal Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classe de Graves Rouge stands as a testament to the artistry and dedication of its makers. This exceptional wine encapsulates the fusion of tradition and modernity, drawing on the estate's rich history while embracing innovation in winemaking techniques. With a deep commitment to freshness, terroir expression, and the harmonious marriage of grape varieties, the 2014 Chateau de Fieuzal exemplifies the best of both Old and New World influences.
The philosophy behind Chateau de Fieuzal's winemaking process revolves around quality over quantity. The estate's owners and winemakers understand that true growth comes not from producing more wine, but from refining their craft and creating wines of unparalleled excellence. This dedication to improvement and evolution is echoed in their deep respect for tradition as well as their embrace of technological advancements, ensuring a balance between nature and innovation.
Freshness serves as the cornerstone of the Fieuzal spirit. This commitment to vibrancy and dynamism allows their wines to evolve gracefully over time, creating wines that are both youthful and confident. Regardless of whether it's their red or white wines, Chateau de Fieuzal wines are born with the same spirited energy and mature with a sense of assuredness.
Central to the character of the 2014 Chateau de Fieuzal is its remarkable terroir. Winemaker Stephen Carrier recognizes the importance of expressing every facet of the estate's terroir, including the natural elements, human emotions, and artistic courage that define the vineyard's identity. This holistic approach is reflected in the wines, allowing them to speak eloquently of their origin.
Spanning a sprawling 70-hectare vineyard in Pessac-Leognan, Chateau de Fieuzal boasts diverse grape varieties planted for red and white wines. The composition includes 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc for the red wines. Notably, the vineyard's evolution includes an increase in Merlot and Petit Verdot and a decrease in Cabernet Sauvignon, signaling a purposeful shift in the vineyard's composition.
The vine density of approximately 8,300 vines per hectare ensures that each vine receives meticulous care and attention, resulting in wines that reflect the unique terroir. The gravel, sand, clay, and white stones present in the soil lend a distinct character to the wines, while the Eau Blanche stream brings vital moisture during hot, dry vintages. The vineyards' strategic placement on sloping hillsides, rising to 58 meters, showcases the vineyard's most favorable locations.
An important contributor to the vineyard's heritage is the presence of old vines, some dating back to 1908. These historic vines, especially the Petit Verdot vines, add depth and complexity to the wines, infusing them with a sense of history and longevity.
