Chateau de Fieuzal 2016
Over the last 400 years, only 6 families have owned the estate. The first owners were Jean and Francois Garderes. Following was the Dabadie family who owned it until the 17th century when the Fieuzal family took control. It was the The Fieuzal family owned the property up to 1851 and gave their name to the property. Toward the end of the 19th century, the Ricard family took control. The estate passed to Odette Ricard and her husband Erik Brocke. After Odette's death the Chateau was sold to George Negrevergne in 1973. Banque Populaire purchased the estate and then proceeded to purchased Château Haut-Gardère and reconstituted the original Fieuzal Estate as it existed in the Ricard era. Lochlann Quinn purchased the Chateau in 2001 and continues as the owner.
The 39 hectare red wine vineyard of Chateau de Fieuzal is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and 2.5% Petit Verdot.
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Wine Spectator: 92
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Youthfully vivid, with lots of red and black currant and raspberry confiture flavors driving through, inlaid with anise and sweet tobacco hints. Vibrant throughout, with a roasted apple wood note giving the finish a second kick. Best from 2022 through 2032.
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Wine Advocate: 92
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A barrel sample, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 de Fieuzal opens with cedary notes over a core of red and black currants, black cherries and tobacco with wafts of fallen leaves and lavender. Medium-bodied with a firm, grainy texture and oodles of freshness, it has plenty of compelling red and black fruit sparks and an earthy finish.
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Decanter: 94
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The smoky oak is a little dominant but softens through the palate, giving a charred, smoky, cigar-box edge to the rich black fruits. This is bright and perky, with firm tannins, great impact and a feeling of fruit that was easily extracted due to beautifully ripe fruit. A good wine which will age well.
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Wine Enthusiast: 92
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Full of black fruits, this rich wine has structure and juicy berry flavors. The dry core of tannins balances the dense black fruits to give a wine with an excellent future. Drink from 2024.
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Vinous: 93
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The 2016 de Fieuzal is a powerful, plush wine endowed with explosive energy and fabulous balance. Exotic, ripe and inviting, it demands attention. Waves of dark-toned fruit, chocolate, spice and new leather build into the exotic, plush finish. Terrific.
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James Suckling: 94
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Very intense red-plum and dark-fleshed peach aromas, plus a hint of pomegranate, make this generous, well-structured Pessac-Léognan red very attractive. However, the full, moderately dry tannins need some time to resolve. Better from 2021, but with a long future ahead of it.
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