Château Fourcas Hosten 2021

Stony, smoky, dark fruit, green notes. Structured palate, drying tannins, crisp fruit, slightly rustic.

A little closed still, salty, tobacco-edged tannins to the fore that take over from the fruity core underneath leaving the finish a touch lacking in life. Feels elegant and not overdone, not too dry, just the fruit and acidity don't seem to be shining as much as they could right now. I'd like to try this again in a few years. A little light with cooling blue fruit and lots of minerality, but lacking a touch of ripeness and depth on the mid palate.

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Deep crimson. Very little aroma on this wine too. Is Listrac plagued by this phenomenon in 2021? Light wood-shavings impression – is the fruit a little overwhelmed by the oak? Sour, pinched finish. (JR)

The 2021 Fourcas Hosten has a crisp, harmonious nose with blackberry, cedar, and wild hedgerow scents of moderate vigor. Medium-bodied, the palate shows a persistent vegetal note in the background that I did not pick up from barrel, and it drives the lean finish. Consequently, this is currently below my estimated banded barrel score.

Opaque ruby core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Delicate fig fruit, some nougat, black cherries and hints of orange zest. Slender, red cherries, a vivid palate, somewhat dry tannins at present with creamy dark nougat on the finish.

The 2021 Château Fourcas Hosten is solid, with ripe black cherry and darker currant fruits as well as some leafy herb, tobacco, and earthy nuances. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, it's medium-bodied, has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, and nicely integrated acidity, all making for a delicious, impeccably made Listrac to enjoy over the coming 8-10 years.

Plum, redcurrant and raspberry, all a little underpowered but enjoyable and bright.

The 2021 Fourcas Hosten is produced organically and has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It slowly emerges from the glass with notes of black cherries, mulberries, and redcurrants, plus hints of crushed rocks and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a good intensity of red and black berries, with earthy accents and a soft-textured, lively finish.

On the nose, notes of jam made from small violet and black fruits, with a mineral vein. On the palate, that jammy flavor persists, alongside very lively fresh fruit. A rather well-balanced wine, with velvety tannins highlighting a bright, elegant fruit.

2021 is the estate’s first certified organic vintage. Delicate and fresh, the bouquet reveals nuances of red berries and spices. The freshness is also clearly present on the palate, where the wine shows a sleek, mouthwatering character.

The nose is mineral, racy and offers a touch of intensity. It reveals notes of wild blackberry, strawberry and, more subtly, tonka bean, combined with hints of violet, fresh purple plum, as well as fine touches of green cardamom and spices. The palate is fruity, balanced and offers freshness, breed and minerality/a mineral backbone. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy/fresh blackberry, small juicy/fresh red berries and, more lightly, violet, combined with hints of racy minerality, camphor, as well as fine touches of tonka bean and rose, with a discreet hint of green cardamom. Good length. A delicate powdery feel on the finish. Good freshness.

Dark, vibrant, purple color. Moderately aromatic nose with fresh fruit. Pleasant, fruity, flavorful palate with medium body and length. Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 12.69°. pH: 3.75 – IPT: 81. Yield: 10.5 hl/ha.

The 2021 Fourcas Hosten exhibits notes of minty berries and pencil shavings, followed by a medium-bodied, taut and rather austere palate that concludes with a gently metallic finish.