Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Surprisingly rich in its aromas, the 2014 Château Faizeau dazzles with its elegance and fine form on the palate. It's well-balanced style, and red to black fruit flavors shows just how fine wines from this satellite Saint-Émilion appellation can be. (Tasted: October 11, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
-
James Suckling
A fruity red with fresh leaf and stone undertones to the currant character. Medium to full body, creamy textured tannins and bright, citrusy acidity. Drink in 2018.
“Faizeau” is a diminutive of the word “Faize”, in reference to the Benedictine abbey of Faize, situated close to the property and which owned, amongst other plots, vineyards in Pauillac and Saint-Emilion. Built on the slopes of Calon hill, the highest point in the region of Libourne, the chateau is one of the oldest wine-growing “terroirs” around Bordeaux. It already figured on the map drawn up by the engineer Belleyme in the 18th century.
The vineyards of Chateau Faizeau are of the highest quality and boast a magnificent terroir and privileged location on a plateau oriented east and west, bathed in sunshine all day long.
In most of France, wines are named by their place of origin and not by the type of grape (with the exception of Alsace). Just like a red Burgundy is by law, always made of Pinot noir, a red Bordeaux is a blended wine composed mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Depending on the laws of the village from which the grapes come, the conditions of the vintage and decisions of the winemaker, the blend can be further supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and in rare cases, Carmenere. So popular and repeated has this mix of grape varieties become worldwide, that the term, Bordeaux Blend, refers to a wine blended in this style, regardless of origin.