Winemaker Notes
The grand wine is from the plateaus and the clay-limestone slopes overlooking the Côtes de Francs appellation. It is a rich wine, endowed with a straight lined and elegant palate. Ample energy and fruit within structuring tannins that present a lovely nose of fruit and spices. A blend of Merlot in majority with Cabernet Franc and a touch of Malbec.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Spiced red cherries, fresh blue plums and blue flowers on the nose. Smoothly rendered on the palate with a medium body and a juicy, brambly finish of medium-long length. Tannins are fresh and fine-grained. 81% merlot and 19% cabernet franc. Drink now or hold.
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Decanter
Scented red berry notes on the nose, clean and clear. Lively and so appealing, just such an easy charm here, not trying to do too much. Smooth and soft with the fragrance continuing on the palate alongside juicy red berry fruit, gentle creaminess and a subtle liquorice base. So expressive, you get the light structure with youthful appeal. Lightly framed but this has an energetic thrust with an iodine, salty tang at the end. Julien Lavenu consultant. A lovely wines from Francs this year.
Barrel Sample: 90 -
Wine Enthusiast
Red berry and violet aromas are followed by the ripe black-currant flavors and juicy acidity. The wine’s tannins are well formed, ready to soften further
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.