Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pessac-Léognan |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 de Fieuzal rocks up with bold, confident Black Forest cake and crème de cassis scents followed by nuances of cigar box, new leather and Chinese five spice plus a waft of potpourri. Full-bodied, rich, spicy and decadently fruited, it has a chewy texture and lively freshness lifting the spicy finish. 2020 - 2030.
A more tannic, backward style of Pessac-Leognan, this wine has attractive, elegant notes of sweet plum, fig, tobacco leaf and red and black currants. It is medium-bodied, elegant, rich and persistent on the palate. The tannins are still relatively elevated and the wine in need of 4-6 years of cellaring. It should keep for at least two decades or more.
Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru. The de Fieuzal has a rounded, ebullient, luscious nose that is overtly modern in style, but still well defined and pure. The palate is soft and caressing on the entry with a sweet core of dark plum and liquorice-infused fruit, fanning out nicely on the generous finish. This is an unashamedly modern de Fieuzal, the guiding hand of Hubert de Bouard much in evidence, and I find it not dissimilar to the 2009 in style. Tasted November 2012.
Velvety and polished, with lovely fruit and a mineral undertone. Full and balanced. I like the 2009 slightly better.
Lustrous purple. Great polish and energy. Really very glorious. Here they have not been scared by the acidity and the balance seems about right. Very fresh and Gravesy.
Well-concentrated slightly smoky blackcurrant fruit, rich and broad flavours, a big fleshy wine with controlled power. Drink 2015-25.
2010: This is a rare instance where an estate's 2008 may be better than their 2010. The latter wine possesses plenty of super-ripe red and black fruits as well as hints of graphite, crushed rocks and white flowers. There is elegant minerality and a medium-bodied palate, but copious tannins kick in in the finish. Five to seven years of cellaring will be essential for this structured, masculine effort.
Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru in London. The de Fieuzal 2009 has a stylish, modern but succinct bouquet with pure dark cherries, raspberry, vanilla and a touch of cassis. Prominent oak but well integrated with the wine. The palate is smooth and sensual with fine, saturated tannins and a sleek finish that might just be a little too sweet for my liking. But it think this will age well. Tasted October 2011.
The de Fieuzal '10 has a very generous, open-knit, refined and delineated bouquet that really is a treat: so pure and feminine. The palate is displays fine tannins, bright red-berried fruit with good acidity, almost Saint Emilion like towards the fleshy, silky finish. Lovely. Drink 2013-2020+ Tasted April 2011.