Château Faugères Saint-Emilion Grand Cru - 2016

75 cl

James Suckling: 95 points

Alcohol content: 14.5% vol.

Grape varieties: 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vinification:

The wines are aged for around 14 months in 50% new and one-year-old barriques.

Tasting note:

Deep dark ruby colour, firm core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening, black berry fruit with a delicate herbal-spicy background, blackberry nuances, some liquorice, a hint of precious wood. Powerful, fine nougat, ripe black berry fruit, firm, well-integrated tannins, sticks well, spicy style, development potential.

Chateau Faugeres:

The Château Faugères is a renowned, recognised as Grand Cru Classé classified winery in the Saint-Émilion wine-growing region near Bordeaux, which is renowned for its blend of top-class viticulture and modern architecture.

Owner

Owner: The vineyard is owned by the Swiss entrepreneur and art collector Silvio Denz.

Takeover: Denz acquired the historic estate in the year 2005 by Corinne Guisez, whose family had been running the estate since 1823.

Other participants: The production is supported by renowned wine experts such as Stephan, Count of Neipperg and the world-renowned consultant oenologist Michel Rolland.

Style and Architecture

Architectural landmark: The estate is famous for its spectacular wine cellar (Chai), which was inaugurated in 2009. Designed by the Swiss star architect Mario Botta, this monumental, geometric building is often referred to as the „Cathedral of Wine“.

Contrast: The state-of-the-art, sculptural cellar provides a striking visual contrast to the historic Chartreuse de Faugères, a former 16th-century hunting lodge.

Technology: Inside, the process is based on the principle of gravity, so that the grapes and wine are handled as gently as possible without excessive pumping. [

Characteristics of the wines

Grape Varieties Guide: The vineyards are planted in the typical style of Bordeaux’s „Right Bank“: approx. 85 % Merlot, 10 % Cabernet Franc and 5 % Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine style: Red wines are often compared to the „Nouvelle Vague“ style assigned. They look absolutely lovely rich in flavour, concentrated, full-bodied and harmonious.

Aroma: Typical characteristics include dense, dark fruit, subtle spice and velvety, well-integrated tannins with considerable ageing potential.