Wine Advisor
De Fieuzal, Blanc 2012
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted blind at the Southwold 2012 tasting. The 2012 De Fieuzal Blanc has a withdrawn, lanolin-scented bouquet that is nicely defined, some attractive Sémillon here, but it just requires more intensity and chutzpah. The palate is well balanced with a soft peach skin and fresh pear opening, the acidity a little low and consequently it feels a little smudged towards the phenolic finish. Tasted January 2016.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Abundant aromas of orange marmalade, white currants, hazelnuts and subtle smoky oak are found in this broad, layered, full-bodied white wine. Drink this terrific De Fieuzal blanc over the next two decades.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted from a barrel sample at en primeur. The de Fieuzal Blanc has a lifted, perfumed bouquet with touches of dried orange peel and apricot blossom that are well defined and vigorous, perhaps leaning slightly to the New World (though there is nothing wrong with that.) The palate is well balanced with crisp green fruit, lemongrass and orange zest that builds to a vibrant, satisfying finish. This is a superb white from the estate. Tasted April 2013.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
One of the top estates for dry white wines, now owned by the Quinn family, De Fieuzal’s 2012 has a light greenish/gold color and a beautiful nose of caramelized tropical fruits, fig, grapefruit and orange oil. It is crisp, lush, and best drunk over the next 10 years.
About the Producer
Chateau de Fieuzal is located in the Pessac-Leognan appellation of Graves, Bordeaux, and is one of the 16 Grand Cru Classés of Graves. Today, Château Fauzelle's vineyard covers 85 hectares on the gentle slopes of Pessac-Léognan, one of the most privileged plots of land in the appellation. The terroir of the vineyard is treasured by Château Fauzelle, and in order to protect the microbiological system and biodiversity of the vineyard, organic and ecological practices are practised in the vineyard, such as the planting of flowers, beehives and vegetable gardens around the plots. This type of farming reduces pests and diseases and also provides green manure for the vines. In terms of winemaking, only grapes that have reached optimum ripeness are used to make wine. In the winery, fermentations are carried out in fermenting vessels of different sizes for the different varieties of grapes from different plots, so that the characteristics of the fruit can be fully expressed in the wine. Thanks to these measures, the wines retain the original characteristics of the grapes intact and thus faithfully express the excellent terroir of Pessac-Léognan. The wines of Château Fauzelle are of the highest quality, with aromatic and spirited red wines and elegant white wines, often scoring 90 points or more from leading wine critics and wine assessment agencies.
