Review: Chateau de Fieuzal 1998 Rouge
- vinterest
- Feb 24, 2015
- 2 min read
The low-down: Chateau de Fieuzal is one of the leading lights of Pessac Leognan, named after the family that owned the estate until they sold it in 1850s. The estate was divided in two and only re-united under common ownership in 1995 - with 70 ha under vine (65 ha devoted to red).
This 1998 vintage was produced prior to the current owners, the Quinn family, taking over in 2001. We have a 2011 Fieuzal in the cellar that will hopefully reveal the imprint of the Quinns and their winemaker Stephen Carrier.
Pessac Leognan is one of the rare Bordeaux AOPs that produce fine red and white wines. The appellation is located between the Garonne river and a pine tree forest. The trees assist in creating the unique, micro climate of the commune by protecting the vines from humidity and wind. The AOP was spun out of Graves in 1987, relatively recently for Bordeaux. Essentially this came about through pressure from Pessac Leognan growers who wished to disassociate themselves from growers with predominately sandy soils further south in Graves.
Compare this to our review of a 2006 Pessac Leognan: Chateau La Garde.
We picked this up at Le Clos at the Dubai Airport for 55 Euros.
The take: On appearance: no legs, a thick rim. On the nose, musty, earthy, blackcurrant dominates with a hint of sea salt. A smooth attack. Good acidity, still grippy. Elegant, polished, creamy with a long finish. Again blackcurrant dominates with chalk, pepper, earth. With time the tannins fall away and it becomes silky smooth!
In closing: Elegant and polished.
Rating: 9 out of 10.
Fact corner:
Country: France
Region: Pessac Leognan
Producer: Chateau de Fieuzal
Vintage: 1998
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Alcohol content: 12.5%
Serving temperature: n/a
Price range: Premium
Comments