Winemaker Notes
Organically grown
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
There is a raciness to the blue fruit. Some blackberries, mineral and a whiff of bark, cream and black mushrooms here. Pure, medium- to full-bodied on the palate with dense tannins that give a fine grip.
-
Decanter
Smooth and supple, a lovely core of juicy red fruits. Scented with herbal touches, rosemary, cinnamon and clove giving this a touch of piquance on the mid-palate which is gentle and supportive. Stylish, perfumed and nuanced, still sleek with tension causing a certain linearity at this point; certainly not super-ripe and plush. Lovely, gentle, delicate freshness and lift on the finish. Red fruits with some medicinal edges, then a clean, salty, wet stone and slate element that lingers. A shining wine in 2020.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Marsau tastes like the very essence of Francs Côtes de Bordeaux, with aromas of violet, cassis, flowers, blueberry, graphite and a touch of menthol. It’s medium to full-bodied, broad, vibrant and vinous, with terrific freshness and a long, sapid, saline finish. I admit to having a weakness for the wines from this small estate owned by Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier. One of the best vintages ever produced here.
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.
On the right bank of Bordeaux between St. Emilion and Bergerac, Cotes de Francs boasts southwestern exposed slopes that produce robust Merlot-based wines. A tiny amount of Sémillon is grown and made in both dry and sweet styles.