Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
From a larger site in the Castillon region, the 2017 Chateau Cap De Faugeres is outstanding, and this estate is just about a no-brainer purchase as it seems to deliver the goods in every vintage. Lots of blackcurrant fruit, notes of sandalwood, tobacco leaf, and spice, medium to full-bodied richness, and a rounded, layered mouthfeel, as well as plenty of minerality, make for a brilliant Castillon. Based on 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in casks, drink it any time over the coming 10-12 years.
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James Suckling
A tight, juicy wine with leaves, tobacco and some blackberries. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Give it a year or two to soften. Drink in 2020 and onwards.
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Wine Spectator
Fresh and juicy in feel, with an up-front persona defined by red currant and plum fruit flavors. Light floral, savory and apple wood notes fill in on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2027.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Though the region is larger than many of its Right Bank neighbors, it is one that consistently produces high quality, well-valued red wines. In fact, Cotes de Castillon can almost be considered a geographical eastern extension of St. Emilion, producing similarly-fashioned reds based on Merlot.
Vineyards in the region’s clay, limestone and sandstone soils produce sturdy red wines. On alluvial terraces, in vineyards closer to the Dordogne River, wines tend to be more supple and fruity. In either case, a great Cotes de Castillon red will be bursting with raspberry, plum and blueberry, have an enticing bouquet of dried flowers and a finish that is plush and opulent.