Chateau de Fieuzal Blanc 2018 Pessac Leognan《Terroir Collection - ZTF153 》

Region : Pessac-Léognan

Grapes : 65%Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Semillon 

Alcohol : 13.5% vol

Website: https://www.fieuzal.com/fr/

🏅 James Suckling 94 pts

🏅 Wine Advocate 92 pts

🏅 Wine Spectator 92 pts

🏅 Decanter 92 pts

🏅 Jeb Dunnuck 90 pts

🏅 Jansion Robinson 15.5/20 pts

🏅 Vivino 4.0

The origins of Chateau de Fieuzal date back as far as the first stirrings of winemaking in Bordeaux’s Graves region, named for its thin, gravel-studded soil. The estate,which is in the Pessac-Leognan appellation of Graves, sits on one of the best gently sloping, gravel-outcrops in the area - long admired for its excellent drainage and heat diffusing properties. Both Graves and Fieuzal are reputed to produce some of the best white wines in Bordeaux, but Fieuzal’s reds are equally good. In 1959 they were awarded the official status of Graves Grands Cru Classe wines.

Fieuzal is named after the family who owned the property up to 1851,while the original 16th century name of the estate was Gardères. After the Fieuzal family sold the estate, it was split in two and the halves were named Château de Fieuzal and Château Haut Gardères. It wasn’t until 1995 that the two estates were finally reunited to form the current Fieuzal vineyards, which now cover some 75 hectares, 10 of which are used to grow white wine grapes.

Six families have owned Château de Fieuzal over the last 400 years, and each owner has shaped both the property and the style of its wines. Jeanand François Gardères, workers at a neighbouring property, owned the original Château de Fieuzal plots. Ownership was transferred to Bordeaux’s Dabadie family who held it until the 17th century, when the Fieuzal family bought it.

In 2007 the Quinnshired a talented young winemaker to run the estate. Stephen Carrier brought with him a blend of classic French winemaking skills and experience of New World techniques. Working closely the Quinns, with their passion for wine, andCarrier, with his rigorous and innovative winemaking style, have together broadened Fieuzal’s reputation as a wine well-worth drinking.

As well as hiring Carrier, the Quinns brought well-known Bordeaux winemaking consultant, Hubert de Bouärd, on board in 2006. Hubert de Bouärd owns the Saint Emilion estate Château Angélus. Other developments at Fieuzal have included a restructuring of the vineyard and, in 2011, the inauguration of a new cellar, fully equipped with advanced winemaking facilities.

Fieuzal’s property is divided by the Eau Blanche (White Water) stream, while its gravelly soil unfolds around the hill in complex geological layers - a result of century long pressure from the Garonne River. Such thin, stony soil is highly adept a draining water and at keeping and rediffusing heat. The vines, which have a current average age of 30 years, are planted at a density of 9,000 plants per hectare. Chemical applications are kept to a bare minimum, traditional farming methods are used and grapes are picked and sorted – twice - by hand, all of which helps to preserve the purity of the fruit.

🏅 James Suckling 94 pts

This has a rich, toasty nose of cooked pear, dried pineapple, hazelnut and marmalade. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity. Dense and powerful. 

🏅 Wine Advocate 92 pts

De Fieuzal's 2018 Blanc bursts with tropical fruit notions of green guava, fresh pineapple and mango, followed by nuances of yuzu zest, lime leaves and jasmine. The medium-bodied palate delivers fantastic freshness and intensity with loads of citrusy layers, delivered with lovely harmony, finishing on a lingering pineapple note.

🏅 Wine Spectator 92 pts

This is plump, with a mix of star fruit, white peach and lemon gelée notes, backed by straw and honeysuckle through the finish. 

🏅 Jeb Dunnuck 90 pts

Another beautiful white, the 2018 Château De Fieuzal Blanc has plenty of honeyed lime, grapefruit, and pineapple notes to go with a supple, nicely textured, balanced style on the palate. With juicy acidity, moderate depth and length, but just loads of charm