2020 Château de Fieuzal is exceptional and one of the top buys for Bordeaux in this price range. Based in Pessac-Léognan, this is crafted from a 70-hectare estate with 60 hectares planted to red varieties—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 2020 blend favors Merlot (65%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Petit Verdot (5%), and was vinified in a combination of stainless steel and oak, then aged in 60% new French oak for up to two years. Winemaker Stephen Carrier, with input from consultant Hubert de Boüard, employs parcel-by-parcel vinification for greater precision and terroir expression, with blending completed at the very end. 2020 produced small, concentrated berries with ideal harvest conditions, producing a wine with an excellent dynamic between richness and energy. The 2020 shows deep notes of black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, espresso, and licorice, with a plush texture and long dark fruit finish. This could be enjoyed now with ample aeration but has the structure to age for decades as one of the finest examples of Chateau de Fieuzal ever!
Wine Enthusiast 94-96 points! "A powerful wine that is full of dark black fruits as well as hints of dark chocolate. The tannins and the clear black currant are two fine elements of a wine that will have density and richness as it develops."
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points! "From a château that deserves more recognition in the market, the 2020 Château De Fieuzal is a brilliant Pessac- Léognan based on 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot raised in 60% new barrels. It has a gorgeously pure nose of cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, spice, and scorched earth. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered wine with ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great mix of richness and elegance. It deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and will drinking incredibly well over the following two decades. Drink: 2027-2047. (3/29/23)"
Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 points! "Offering up aromas of sweet mulberries and blackberries mingled with hints of licorice, violets and red fruit compote, the 2020 de Fieuzal is medium to full-bodied, rich and gourmand, its broad attack segueing into a supple, layered mid-palate that's framed by ripe acids and sweet, powdery tannins. This is a deeper, more powerful Fieuzal than its 2019 counterpart. Drink: 2023-2050. (4/6/23)"
Decanter (Jane Anson) 94 points! "Ruby red, plenty of red fruit aromatics also, savoury redcurrant and raspberry, not as concentrated as some, this has sinew and juice, a little austere, but I like the floral aromatics as it opens. A fairly subdued Fieuzal, structured with excellent juicy tension but not generous at this point. Tasted twice.
2020 Château de Fieuzal Eta W/O 6-30-2025
2020 Château de Fieuzal Eta W/O 6-30-2025
2020 Château de Fieuzal is exceptional and one of the top buys for Bordeaux in this price range. Based in Pessac-Léognan, this is crafted from a 70-hectare estate with 60 hectares planted to red varieties—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The 2020 blend favors Merlot (65%), with Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Petit Verdot (5%), and was vinified in a combination of stainless steel and oak, then aged in 60% new French oak for up to two years. Winemaker Stephen Carrier, with input from consultant Hubert de Boüard, employs parcel-by-parcel vinification for greater precision and terroir expression, with blending completed at the very end. 2020 produced small, concentrated berries with ideal harvest conditions, producing a wine with an excellent dynamic between richness and energy. The 2020 shows deep notes of black cherry, blackberry, cocoa, espresso, and licorice, with a plush texture and long dark fruit finish. This could be enjoyed now with ample aeration but has the structure to age for decades as one of the finest examples of Chateau de Fieuzal ever!
Wine Enthusiast 94-96 points! "A powerful wine that is full of dark black fruits as well as hints of dark chocolate. The tannins and the clear black currant are two fine elements of a wine that will have density and richness as it develops."
Jeb Dunnuck 94 points! "From a château that deserves more recognition in the market, the 2020 Château De Fieuzal is a brilliant Pessac- Léognan based on 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot raised in 60% new barrels. It has a gorgeously pure nose of cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, spice, and scorched earth. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, seamless, layered wine with ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great mix of richness and elegance. It deserves 4-5 years in the cellar and will drinking incredibly well over the following two decades. Drink: 2027-2047. (3/29/23)"
Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 points! "Offering up aromas of sweet mulberries and blackberries mingled with hints of licorice, violets and red fruit compote, the 2020 de Fieuzal is medium to full-bodied, rich and gourmand, its broad attack segueing into a supple, layered mid-palate that's framed by ripe acids and sweet, powdery tannins. This is a deeper, more powerful Fieuzal than its 2019 counterpart. Drink: 2023-2050. (4/6/23)"
Decanter (Jane Anson) 94 points! "Ruby red, plenty of red fruit aromatics also, savoury redcurrant and raspberry, not as concentrated as some, this has sinew and juice, a little austere, but I like the floral aromatics as it opens. A fairly subdued Fieuzal, structured with excellent juicy tension but not generous at this point. Tasted twice.
