Château Cap de Faugères 2023

Cherry-fruited, round and balanced, with pronounced, powdery tannins and a red-fruited finish. Approachable.

85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. 33.8 hl/ha. Cask sample. Deep colour. Ripe nose with hedgerow-fruit notes to the fore. Supple mid-palate with sufficient fruit, then chalky tannins on the finish. (JL)

The 2023 Cap de Faugères is bold, racy and super expressive. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herbs, menthol and licorice build nicely in the glass. Lovely savory and earthy undertones support the vibrant, open-knit finish.

Black cherries, olives, plums, and spearmint form the core of the nose, and the medium-bodied, round-textured, creamy, plummy palate with its chocolatey edge. The wine will be a treat to enjoy on release and for up to a decade after that. The wine blends 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2036.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Fresh heart cherry, nuances of blueberry, delicate hints of mandarin zest, inviting floral touch. Juicy, elegant, ripe currant, fine tannins, mineral and fresh, a lively food companion for many occasions.

85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 38.8 hl/ha. Intensely blueberry-scented bouquet, seductive violet perfume and blackcurrant nectar. On the generous palate with a silky texture, tightly knit tannic frame, medium body. Focused, aromatic finish with blueberry drops and plush extract.

Inky plum colour, intense, with highly charged oak notes, grilled vanilla bean, sage and rosemary, bright plum and damson; it closes in quickly under its tannic charge, but there is juice here, it just needs time to soften.

Cap de Faugères’ bouquet gradually unfolds. Initially restrained, it then opens up to aromas of blackcurrant, smoky nuances and violets. Energised by the character of its clay-limestone terroir, the wine shines with vitality and a subtle austerity that enhances both freshness and the lingering finish. A mouthwatering, flavourful and persistent wine!

Black fruits and rich tannins combine in a ripe wine that has structure and density. The dark chocolate aroma and the berry ripeness are balanced and promising. Drink from 2027.

A combination of pristine fruit and bright acidity meets quite ripe and fleshy tannins with the structure at the fore. I like this, its punchy but cool and fresh too. Not as supple and easy as some but really well made with a salty grip on the finish. Give this some time and a good airing before drinking. Clean.