Winemaker Notes
Ruby in color. On the nose, herbs, red berries, cherries, as well as some vanilla and spices. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blueberries, fruity, some herbs and a bit woody finish.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
This has a gorgeous violet edging to the colour with clear oak influence, veering to smoky and working well. There is a clear tightening through the mid palate, as you would expect from the limestone soils, but it will soften over ageing and they have captured plenty of juice running through the blueberry and blackberry fruits. The Denz estates in general have been successful in 2018.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 85% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, from the cooler Castillon region to the east of Saint-Emilion, the 2018 Château Cap De Faugères reveals a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as lots of pretty red and blue fruits, notes of candied orange, tobacco, and violets, no hard edges, silky tannins, and both beautiful balance and purity. It's a terrific Castillon to enjoy over the coming decade or so.
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James Suckling
Fresh blueberries, crushed brambleberries and licorice on the nose with a touch of cocoa powder. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins and fresh acidity. Succulent finish. Try from 2022.
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.